Rough-sided Littleneck Clam
NameRough-sided Littleneck Clam
Scientific NameTapes laciniata Carpenter, 1865
Common NameRough-sided Littleneck Clam
FamilyVeneridae
GenusTapes
Specieslaciniata
Geographic DistributionPacific coast of North America, ranging from California (USA) south to Baja California (Mexico).
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)25-50
Identifying FeaturesDistinguished by its prominent cancellate sculpture (intersecting concentric and radial lines), ovate-subquadrate shape, and the presence of a distinct pallial sinus and adductor muscle scars on the interior. The 'rough-sided' common name directly refers to its characteristic shell texture.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author CitationCarpenter, 1865
Description
A bivalve mollusk shell, typically ovate to subquadrate in shape, characterized by a distinctive cancellate sculpture formed by prominent concentric growth lines and finer radial ribs. The exterior is generally light-colored, ranging from off-white to cream or light tan. The interior is smooth and white, displaying clear adductor muscle scars and a distinct pallial sinus. The shells are equivalve and moderately inflated, with a somewhat pointed umbo.
