Striped Venus
NameStriped Venus
Scientific NameChamelea gallina
Common NameStriped Venus
FamilyVeneridae
GenusChamelea
Speciesgallina
Geographic DistributionMediterranean Sea and the Atlantic coast of Europe, ranging from Norway south to Morocco and parts of West Africa.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)20
Identifying FeaturesKey identifying features include the strong, regular, concentric ridges (lamellae) on the shell surface, combined with the characteristic radial zigzag or chevron color patterns. Its subtrigonal shape and prominent, anteriorly pointing umbones are also distinctive.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Linnaeus, 1758)
Description
A small to medium-sized marine bivalve mollusc, characterized by its robust, equivalve, and somewhat triangularly ovate shell. The shell surface features prominent, regular concentric ridges and often displays distinctive radial color patterns, typically in shades of brown or purplish-brown against a lighter background. It is a common species found burrowed in sandy substrates.
