Solid shell up to about 5cm in length. White, yellow or brown in colour often heavily decorated with darker brown rays, streaks, blotches or waves. Inside of shell white or pale yellow sometimes with purple colouration. Very distinct radial sculpturing on shell and less prominent concentric sculpturing. Siphons fused together for almost their entire length.
Key identification features
- Very coarse radial sculpture especially at posterior end
- Pallial sinus does not extend as far as the midline and is not confluent with pallial line
Similar species
- Tapes decussatus has a more angular shape and less radial sculpturing
- Venerupis senegalensis lacks the prominent radial sculpturing
Ecology and behaviour
The species was introduced in an attempt to create a fishery in Poole Harbour (around 1990) and Whitstable. There are indications that the species is slowly spreading.
Distribution and status
Non-native
Native to Asia (Western Pacific) but since the 1930s has been introduced to many countries including the Mediterranean, Brittany, northern Spain and England.