Smooth Artemis
NameSmooth Artemis
Scientific NameDosinia exoleta
Common NameSmooth Artemis
FamilyVeneridae
GenusDosinia
Speciesexoleta
Geographic DistributionNortheast Atlantic, ranging from Norway and the British Isles southwards to the Mediterranean Sea and West Africa. It is also found in the North Sea.
Average Size (mm)40
Identifying FeaturesIts most distinguishing features are its smooth, glossy surface, almost perfectly circular outline, and fine, regular concentric growth lines. The beaks are small and slightly anterior, and the lunule is well-defined.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Linnaeus, 1758)
Description
The Smooth Artemis is a bivalve mollusk shell, characterized by its remarkably smooth, glossy, and nearly circular form. The shell is typically off-white to cream in color, often exhibiting subtle, concentric growth lines that are more pronounced towards the margins. It is a robust and moderately convex shell, indicative of its life buried in soft sediments.
