Gouldia californica
NameGouldia californica
Scientific NameGouldia californica
FamilyVeneridae
GenusGouldia
Speciescalifornica
Geographic DistributionPacific coast of North America, ranging from California south to Baja California, Mexico.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)5-10
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, rounded-ovate shape, off-white coloration with characteristic brown spots along the shell margin. The hinge structure, though not visible in the image, is typical of Veneridae.
Raritycommon
Author CitationConrad, 1837
Description
A small, marine bivalve shell, typically off-white to cream in color, with a somewhat rounded to ovate shape. The specimen in the image shows a single valve, which is convex and features distinct small brown spots along its ventral margin. The interior appears smooth and slightly off-white.
