Ensis arcuatus

Inside of right valve annotated to show position of foot retractor scar relative to ligament (incdicated by double headed arrow)

Species

Ensis arcuatus

Photographer / copyright holder

Steve Wilkinson

Specimen collected by Jan Light from Camber Sands, Sussex. Length = 165mm.

Inside of right valve annotated to show pallial sinus

Species

Ensis arcuatus

Photographer / copyright holder

Steve Wilkinson

Specimen collected by Jan Light from Camber Sands, Sussex. Length = 165mm.

Exterior and interior of left valve annotated to show pallial sinus and muscle scars

Species

Ensis arcuatus

Photographer / copyright holder

Steve Wilkinson

Specimen collected by Jan Light from Camber Sands, Sussex. Length = 165mm.

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.

Similar species

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

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

Taxon version key

[NBNSYS0000175132]

Sort order

10500

Taxonomic group

Marine bivalve

Read more about Ensis arcuatus

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.