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
- Ensis americanus has a reversed S-shpaed pallial sinus and a wider shell
Ecology and behaviour
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.