Description: This brittle-shelled bivalve has an almost rectangular outline with rounded corners. At its dorsal margin it is almost straight, whilst it is curved ventrally. It gapes at both ends, one end is truncated with the other rounded. It reaches up to 4 cm in length, although is usually smaller. It is white to cream in colour, but may occasionally have red to brown coloured streaks present. Periostracum is yellow to green if present. Right valve with 1 cardinal tooth and distinctive 'tongue-shaped' lateral tooth. Left valve with 2 cardinals and 1 tongue-shaped lateral. Growth stages are clear and there is a visible structure of fine raditing lines on the outside surface. Interior of the shell is white.

Habitat: Fine sand, muddy sand, mud and gravel from extreme low shore (rare) to over 100 m depth. More commonly found from 2-3 m onwards.

Distribution: Found on all coasts of Britain and Ireland, although appears rare on west coast of Ireland.

Similar Species: Unlikely to be confused with any other species.

Key Identification Features:

• Almost rectangular shell with rounded corners.
• Gapes at both ends.
• Distinctive 'tongue-shaped' lateral tooth on both valves.

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

iNaturalist: Phaxas pellucidus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Phaxas pellucidus

WoRMS: Phaxas pellucidus at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Phaxas pellucidus (Pennant, 1777). AphiaID: 140737.

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