Acanthocardia spinosa

Acanthocardia spinosa, the sand cockle, is a species of saltwater clams, marine bivalve molluscs in the family Cardiidae.

Description

The shell of Acanthocardia spinosa can reach a size of 60–95 mm. This shell is robust, round with a heart-shaped profile, equivalve and inflated, with crenulated margins. The surface shows thick narrowly spaced radial ribs, with rows of pronounced thorny hooks. The basic external coloration is usually pale brown; the interior is white.

Distribution and habitat

Acanthocardia spinosa can be found in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic. This species is present in sand and mud, from low waters to 120 m. Like almost all bivalves, these mollusks are phytoplankton feeders.