Petricola divergens
NamePetricola divergens
Scientific NamePetricola divergens
Common NameDivergent Petricola
FamilyPetricolidae
GenusPetricola
Speciesdivergens
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Massachusetts south to Florida, and throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)30
Identifying FeaturesProminent, often irregular concentric growth lines on the shell surface. Its boring habit into hard substrates is a key ecological feature. The shell can be somewhat variable in shape depending on the substrate it bores into.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author CitationConrad, 1838
Description
A bivalve mollusk, commonly known as a boring clam, characterized by its thick, somewhat elongated-oval shell. The shell exhibits prominent, irregular concentric growth lines and is typically found boring into soft rock, coral, or other shells in marine environments. The specimen in the image is a light, creamy-tan color, resting on a dark, algae-covered substrate.
