The Conchological Society of Great Britain and Ireland
Helping to understand, identify, record, and conserve molluscs
Abra alba (W Wood, 1802)Author: Steve Wilkinson on 5 December 2009 DescriptionBrittle shell up to about 2cm in length. Interior and exterior of shell white and polished. Sculpture of fine concentric rings. Deep pallial sinus which is partially confluent with the pallial line. Key identification features
EcologyLong siphons allow this species to burrow relatively deeply for its size (about 7cm down) in mud, silty sand and soft muddy gravel. Feeds on organic detritus picked up through the siphon. Can occur in high densities. Distribution and statusCommonFound from the Nowegian Sea and the Baltic down to the Iberian Peninsula and into the Mediterranean and Black Seas. 
Image ©
Steve Wilkinson Additional imagesAll images copyright of the photographer - see "View image details". Recorded UK distribution |
