Description: This bivalve has solid, equal valves that are broadly semi-circular but taper to a point on the top half. Mature specimens can reach around 2.5 cm. There are 24-55 very prominent concentric ridges. The outer surface of the shell is white, light brown or salmon pink in colour and may be covered by a brown periostracum that has small but distinct concentric grooves. There may also be mud covering the area around the beaks. Right valve has 2 cardinal teeth, left valve has 3, although the 3rd tooth is often very small or broken. On the right valve there is also a long ridge-like projection along the dorsal line (behind the beaks) which closely resembles a lateral tooth.

Habitat: Burrowed in mud, muddy gravel, sandy gravel or shingle from around 5 m or more.

Distribution: Recorded from all coasts of Britain and Ireland, but most records from west coast of Ireland are offshore.

Similar Species: There are other species of Astarte found here, careful counting of the prominent ridges and inspection of the cardinal and lateral teeth can help to differentiate.

Key Identification Features:

• 24-55 very prominent concentric ridges.
• Right valve has 2 cardinal teeth, left valve has 3 but 3rd often broken or very inconspicuous.
• Ridge-like projection on right valve that closely resembles a lateral tooth.

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

iNaturalist: Astarte sulcata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Astarte sulcata

WoRMS: Astarte sulcata at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Astarte sulcata (da Costa, 1778). AphiaID: 138824.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Bivalvia; Autobranchia; Heteroconchia; Archiheterodonta; Carditida; Crassatelloidea; Astartidae; Astartinae; Astarte