General Description

The shells of this species are quite large, elongate, thin and can be easily identified by the thin, flaky, green-brown external coating (periostracum). Exterior colour cream with tinges of pink and/or purple, with two pale radial rays extending from rounded apex (umbo) to postero-ventral margin. Interior colour variable, often purplish. Shell up to 7 cm across.

Biology

These shells are deep burrowers in sand or muddy sand areas and are deposit feeders. They can occur in large numbers.

Habitat

In sand or mud areas of sheltered bays, from low tide to depth of 3 m.

Soft substrates

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Most states of Australia.

Species Group

Sea snails and shells › Bivalves

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

7 cm

Diet

Organic matter

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Species Code

MoV 3765

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed