Japanese Littleneck
NameJapanese Littleneck
Scientific NameRuditapes philippinarum
Common NameJapanese Littleneck
FamilyVeneridae
GenusRuditapes
Speciesphilippinarum
Geographic DistributionNative to the Western Pacific, including the coasts of Japan, Korea, China, and Siberia. Widely introduced and naturalized globally, particularly in North America (Pacific and Atlantic coasts) and Europe, due to aquaculture and accidental dispersal.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)Typically ranges from 30 to 60 mm in length, though some individuals can reach up to 75 mm.
Identifying FeaturesKey identifying features include its cancellate sculpture (intersecting concentric and radial ribs), highly variable and often intricate color patterns, and its characteristic oval-triangular shape. Internally, it possesses three cardinal teeth in each valve and a deep, U-shaped pallial sinus.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Adams & Reeve, 1850)
Description
A bivalve shell, typically oval to somewhat triangular in shape, with a moderately inflated profile. The exterior is characterized by a distinctive cancellate sculpture, formed by numerous concentric growth lines intersecting with finer radial ribs. The shell exhibits highly variable and often striking color patterns.
