King Venus
NameKing Venus
Scientific NameChione paphia
Common NameKing Venus, Paphian Venus
FamilyVeneridae
GenusChione
Speciespaphia
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Florida through the Caribbean Sea to Brazil.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)60
Identifying FeaturesKey identifying features include its prominent, widely spaced, and often frilly or scaly concentric lamellar ribs. The shell is thick and solid, with a heart-shaped and sculptured lunule (the area in front of the umbones).
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Linnaeus, 1767)
Description
A robust bivalve mollusk shell, commonly known as the King Venus clam. It is characterized by its thick, solid structure and distinctive, prominent, and often frilly concentric ribs. The shell typically displays a creamy or light tan background adorned with irregular reddish-brown to purplish-brown radial patterns.
