Irus elegans
NameIrus elegans
Scientific NameIrus elegans
Common NameElegant Venus Clam
FamilyVeneridae
GenusIrus
Specieselegans
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the Philippines.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)Up to 30-40 mm in length.
Identifying FeaturesElongated-oval shape, compressed valves, and distinctive, often raised and somewhat irregular concentric lamellae (growth lines) are key features. The hinge structure, if visible, would show three cardinal teeth in each valve.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author CitationLamarck, 1818
Description
A single valve of the bivalve mollusc Irus elegans, displaying an elongated-oval shape with prominent, somewhat irregular concentric growth lines (lamellae). The shell is predominantly off-white to cream, with some areas showing brownish or reddish-brown discoloration, particularly towards the umbonal region. The surface appears somewhat eroded in places, consistent with a collected shell.
