The Conchological Society of Great Britain and Ireland
Helping to understand, identify, record, and conserve molluscs
Tapes decussatus (Linnaeus, 1758)Author: Steve Wilkinson on 5 December 2009 DescriptionSolid shell up to about 7cm in length. White yellow or light brown sometimes with rays or streaks of darker brown. Sculpture of radiating ribs and concentric rings give the a valves a very marked descussate appearance. Radial sculpture is as distinct or more distinct than concentric. Each valve has three cardinal teeth; the centre tooth on the left valve and centre and posterior on the right valve bifid. Key identification features
Similar species
EcologyShallow burrower in sand, muddy gravel or stiff clay where it feeds by filtering phytoplankton. Distribution and statusNot uncommon Recorded from the south and west of the British Isles and south to the Iberian Peninsula and into the Mediterranean. 
Image ©
Steve Wilkinson Additional imagesAll images copyright of the photographer - see "View image details". Recorded UK distribution |
