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Ensis ensis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Author: Steve Wilkinson on 5 December 2009

Description

Slender shell up to about 10cm in length. Edges curved and parallel, tapering towards the posterior end. Creamy white in colour with red-brown streaks streaks. Periostracum dark green to yellow-green. Shell sculptured with very fine horizontal and vertical lines with clear growth lines. Foot is reddish in colour.

Key identification features

  • Both edges of the shell curved to the same extent
  • Relatively slender shell
  • Posterior adductor about 1.5 times its own length from pallial sinus
  • Foot retractor muscle 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

  • Outside of left valve
  • Outside of right valve
  • Inside of left valve
  • Inside of right valve
  • Inside of right valve annotated to show position of foot retractor muscle relative to ligament (indiciated by the double headed arrow)
  • Inside of right valve annotated to show distance of adductor muscle from pallial line

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

Recorded UK distribution