![]() Their shells are ribbed and have a distinctive wing-like hinge. Atlantic Bay ScallopĪtlantic bay scallop (Argopecten irradians)Ītlantic bay scallops are also known simply as "Bay Scallops". They prefer salinities ranging from 31 ppt to 32.8 ppt. They burrow in a variety of sediments from sand to muddy sand that ranges from fine to coarse at water depths between 25 and 1,500 feet. Habitat: Western Atlantic as far south as Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Individual clams have been reported to be hundreds of years old. Quahogs are very slow growing and extremely long-lived. ![]() Quahogs bury themselves in the ocean floor and pump in oxygen-filled water and food particles through siphons which are extended above the surface of the ocean floor. The interiors are white with a purple border. The shells are a dull gray and have growth rings that can be used to determine their age. They are thick and oval-shaped bivalves that can grow up to 4.3 inches long. Ocean quahogs are also known as "Black Clams" and "Mahogany Quahogs". They can tolerate salinities ranging from 5 ppt to 30 ppt. They are found in the intertidal zone buried under sand or muddy sand along beaches and in bays. They are also in the Pacific Coast regions of Alaska, California, Washington and found in Western Europe. Habitat: East and West coast of the United States, ranging along the Atlantic coast of North America from Northern Canada to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Soft-shell clams also have a large muscular foot which they use to burrow into the sediment. The siphons are used to take in fresh seawater so they can breathe while the tide comes in, and because of this, the siphons may be the only part of the clam a beachgoer will see. They have two long siphons that are covered in a thick, black skin. The shells are chalky white with a thin, parchment-like covering that varies in color from brownish to yellowish or gray. They are thin, oval-shaped bivalves that can grow up to four inches long. Soft-shelled clams are also known as "Long Necks" and "Steamers". Hard clams can tolerate salinities ranging from 15 ppt to 35 ppt. The subtidal zone is the area of marine shoreline that is below the intertidal zone and is submerged most of the time, portions of this zone may be exposed briefly during extreme low tides around full and new moons. The intertidal zone is the area of marine shoreline that is exposed to air at low tide and covered with seawater at high tide. They are found in the sand and mud habitats of the intertidal and sheltered subtidal zones. Habitat: East coast of the United States, ranging from the Gulf of St. Best used chopped and cooked in soups or as fried clams. Versatile use for raw, cooked, and baked.Ĭhowders: Larger than 3" across. Can be served raw, steamed, or grilled.Ĭherrystones: Approximately 2.5" across. Middlenecks/Topnecks: Average 2" across the shell (horizontally). Littlenecks: Smallest hard clams able to harvest, 1" thickness (vertically). Hard clams are also given common names based on their size: They have an average lifespan of four to eight years, however specimens as old as 40 years of age have been found. Hard clams are a commercially important species that are harvested both by commercial fishermen (baymen) and recreational clammers. They have a muscular foot which they use to burrow deep into the sediment. The shell's color is pale brown with a distinctive purple stain on the interior. These clams have hard, thick shells that can grow to about four inches in length. Hard clams are also known as "Chowder Clams", "Northern Quahogs" and "Round Clams".
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |