Southern Quahog
NameSouthern Quahog
Scientific NameMercenaria campechiensis
Common NameSouthern Quahog
FamilyVeneridae
GenusMercenaria
Speciescampechiensis
Geographic DistributionAtlantic coast of North America, ranging from Maryland south to Florida, and throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
Habitatbrackish
Average Size (mm)Up to 150 mm (15 cm) in length, often larger than its northern relative, the Northern Quahog.
Identifying FeaturesLarge, heavy, thick shell; prominent, rough concentric growth ridges; subtrigonal-oval shape; characteristic banding of off-white/cream and grayish-blue on the exterior; often a purple stain on the interior.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author CitationGmelin, 1791
Description
A large, robust, and thick-shelled marine bivalve, characterized by its heavy, somewhat subtrigonal to oval shape. The exterior displays prominent, rough concentric growth lines and a distinctive pattern of alternating off-white/cream and grayish-blue bands. It is typically found buried in sandy or muddy substrates in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and bays.
