Other Names

• Sydney Cockle
• Trapezoid Mud Ark

General Description

The shells of this species are heavy, obliquely ovate, with a thick external coating (periostracum), particularly at the posterior. Exterior sculpture of broad, strong, radial ribs. The adults are usually without a thread-like byssus. Shell up to 8 cm across.

Biology

This species burrows in the mud. It belongs to a group of bivalves that mainly occur in tropical waters of northern Australia, of which only three species live in Victorian waters.

Habitat

In mud, from low tide to shallow subtidal areas.

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

Southern Australia, excluding Tasmania.

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

8 cm

Diet

Plankton or Particles

Commercial Species

Yes

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Species Code

MoV 1561

Conservation Status

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