Northern Quahog
NameNorthern Quahog
Scientific NameMercenaria mercenaria
Common NameNorthern Quahog
FamilyVeneridae
GenusMercenaria
Speciesmercenaria
Geographic DistributionInside Sebastian Inlet, Indian River Co., FL. (The species is broadly distributed along the eastern coast of North America from Canada to Florida).
Average Size (mm)189.7
Identifying FeaturesThick, heavy shell; prominent concentric growth lines on the exterior; subtrigonal to oval shape; characteristic purple staining on the interior; strong hinge teeth.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
A robust, thick-shelled bivalve, typically subtrigonal to oval in shape. The exterior is dull white to grayish-white with prominent, coarse concentric growth lines. The interior is smooth and glossy, predominantly white, with characteristic areas of deep purple or violet staining, particularly towards the posterior and ventral margins and within the pallial sinus area. The hinge is strong with well-developed teeth.
