Swollen Circe
NameSwollen Circe
Scientific NameCirce scripta
Common NameSwollen Circe
FamilyVeneridae
GenusCirce
Speciesscripta
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, across to Japan and Australia.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)25
Identifying FeaturesStrong cancellate sculpture with prominent radial ribs and concentric growth lines forming nodules; subcircular to broadly ovate shape; crenulated inner ventral margin; robust hinge plate. The 'script-like' patterns on the exterior, though sometimes subtle, are also characteristic.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Linnaeus, 1758)
Description
A bivalve mollusc shell, characterized by its subcircular to broadly ovate shape and moderately inflated valves. The exterior surface exhibits a distinctive cancellate sculpture formed by numerous strong radial ribs intersected by concentric growth lines, creating a nodulose or beaded appearance, particularly prominent towards the margins. The interior is smooth and porcellanous white, with a crenulated ventral margin corresponding to the external ribbing. The hinge plate is robust.
