Species description: The shell is solid and broadly oval in outline, although at one end has the appearance of being stretched out, with a gape in the shell. It can reach up to 15.5 cm in length. The right valve is more convex than the left valve. The shell colour is a dirty white to light brown, with a fawn to yellow coloured periostracum. Growth stages are clear, and there is some sculpture in the form of concentric bands and lines. There is a large spoon-shaped projection (chondrophore) in the left valve. There is also a chondrophore in the right valve but this is inconspicuous as it is hidden under the umbo.

Habitat: Sand, mud, sandy mud and sandy gravel. Found from the lower shore down to depths of 70 m. Can tolerate a range of salinities, so also found in estuaries.

Distribution: A non-native species that is now well established. Widespread around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Could be confused with the native Mya truncata however this species has is truncated at one end, rather than extended like Mya arenaria.

Key Identification Features:

• Solid, broadly oval shell with one side having a 'stretched' appearance.
• Shell gapes at one end.
• Large spoon-shaped chondrophore in left valve.

Distribution Map from NBN: Mya arenaria at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Mya arenaria at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Mya arenaria at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Mya arenaria Linnaeus, 1758. AphiaID: 140430.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Bivalvia; Autobranchia; Heteroconchia; Euheterodonta; Imparidentia; Myida; Myoidea; Myidae; Myinae; Mya