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Ensis arcuatus (Jeffreys, 1865)

Author: Steve Wilkinson on 5 December 2009

Description

Slightly curved shell up to about 15cm in length. White or creamy white in colour with red-brown or orange streaks/blotches. Periostracum dark green to yellow-green. Shell sculptured with smooth horizontal and vertical lines with clear growth lines. ?? Colour fleshy pink with brown peri??

Key identification features

  • Pallial sinus U-shaped
  • Length : breadth ratio of 8:1
  • Posterior adductor scar clearly separated from pallial sinus
  • Foot retractor scar posterior to ligament insertion

Similar species

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.

Exterior and interior of left valve annotated to show pallial sinus and muscle scars
Image ©

Steve Wilkinson

Additional images

  • Inside of right valve annotated to show pallial sinus
  • Inside of right valve annotated to show position of foot retractor scar relative to ligament (incdicated by double headed arrow)
  • Hinge detail of left valve
  • Hinge detail of right valve
  • Anterior adductor scar on right valve
  • Outside of right valve
  • Inside of right valve
  • Inside of right valve annotated to show pallial sinus
  • Inside of right valve annotated to show position of foot retractor scar relative to ligament (incdicated by double headed arrow)
  • Outside of left valve
  • Inside of left valve
  • Anterior adductor scar on left valve

All images copyright of the photographer - see "View image details".

Recorded UK distribution