Description: This razor clam is up to 13 cm long with straight sides. 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-green. Inside of shell white with purple tints.

Habitat: Fine sand from low intertidal to around 40 m.

Distribution: Found all around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Could be confused with other Ensis species.

Key Identification Features:

• Both sides of shell are straight.
• 13 cm long or less.

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

iNaturalist: Ensis siliqua at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Ensis siliqua

WoRMS: Ensis siliqua at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Ensis siliqua (Linnaeus, 1758). AphiaID: 140735.

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