Other Names
- Enigma Venus
- Ladder Venus
- Sand Cockle
General Description
Shells of this species are solid, ovate and somewhat inflated. Exterior cream with brown markings, these may be zigzag lines or blotches, and interior white often with splashes of purple. Exterior sculpture of strong even concentric ridges. Shell up to 4 cm across.
Biology
Two other similar looking species from this genus group also occur in Victoria and are difficult to distinguish from this species. All three species are commercially harvested and sold as clams in fish markets. The group are seen to have potential for aquaculture.
Habitat
Intertidal sand flats or in estuaries.
Soft substrates
Distribution guide
Southern Australia.
Species Group
Sea snails and shells › Bivalves
Depth
Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)
Water Column
Max Size
4 cm
Diet
Plankton or Particles
Commercial Species
Yes
Global Dispersal
Native to Australia
Conservation Status
- DSE Advisory List : Not listed
- EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
- IUCN Red List : Not listed