Mercenaria stimpsoni
NameMercenaria stimpsoni
Scientific NameMercenaria stimpsoni
Common NameStimpson's hard clam
FamilyVeneridae
GenusMercenaria
Speciesstimpsoni
Geographic DistributionWestern Pacific, including the coasts of Japan, Korea, China, and parts of the Russian Far East.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)Typically 60-100 mm in length, but can reach up to 120 mm.
Identifying FeaturesThick, heavy shell with distinct, regular concentric growth lines. Ovate-subtrigonal shape. Strong hinge with three cardinal teeth in each valve and prominent lateral teeth. The dark periostracum often persists along the shell margins.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author CitationGould, 1861
Description
A robust, bivalve mollusk shell, commonly known as Stimpson's hard clam. The shell is thick, ovate to subtrigonal in shape, and exhibits prominent, regular concentric growth lines across its surface. The exterior color is a pale yellowish-brown to grayish-white, with a darker, possibly eroded, periostracum visible along the posterior and ventral margins. The specimen appears to be of a medium size for the species, held in an adult hand, suggesting a length of approximately 6-8 cm. The background indicates a sandy or muddy intertidal environment, consistent with its natural habitat.
