Ensis siliqua (Linnaeus, 1758)

Pod Razor

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Distribution of Ensis siliqua

Recorded UK distribution of Ensis siliqua

Includes data provided by:Merseyside BioBank, Marine Biological Association, Centre for Environmental Data and Recording, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Marine Conservation Society, Conchological Society of Great Britain & Ireland, Countryside Council for Wales & Scottish Natural Heritage

Description

Elngate shell up to about 21cm in length. Both dosal and ventral edges of the shell are straight. White or creamy white in colour with red-brown streaks streaks. Periostracum dark green to yellow-green. Shell sculptured with smooth horizontal and vertical lines with clear growth lines.

Key identification features

Dorsal and ventral edges of the shell straight
Distance of anterior scar from shell edge roughly equal to that for the ventral scar
Posterior gape oval
Anterior edge truncated

Habitat & ecology

Burrows in fine or silty sand. Remains close to the surface while submerged in water, retreating to a depth of up to half a metre when exposed.

Similar species

(View comparison chart)

Ensis siliqua var. minor has ventral scar much closer to edge than anterior scar

European distribution

Recorded from the Norwegian Sea and Baltic, south to the Iberian Peninsula and into the Mediterranean.