Description: This razor clam is up to 15 cm long and has one almost straight side (dorsal) and one curved side (ventral). Shell is white to cream, with red-brown or orange blotches and/or streaks which are divided diagonally into two areas. Shell may be covered or partially covered by the periostracum which is dark green to yellow-brown. Inside of shell white with purple tints.

Habitat: Sand and gravel, from lower shore to shallow sublittoral.

Distribution: Found all around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Could be confused with other Ensis species.

Key Identification Features:

• One side straight or almost straight, one side curved.
• Up to 15 cm long.

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

iNaturalist: Ensis magnus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Ensis magnus

WoRMS: Ensis magnus at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Ensis magnus Schumacher, 1817. AphiaID: 160539.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Bivalvia; Autobranchia; Heteroconchia; Euheterodonta; Imparidentia; Adapedonta; Solenoidea; Pharidae; Cultellinae; Ensis