Description: Strong bivalve with equal valves and a broadly cylindrical outline. The shell gapes noticeably at each end and can reach just over 6 cm in mature individuals. The outer surface of the shell ranges from white to light brown in colour but this may be covered in part by the periostracum. This is thick, with a wrinkled texture and ranges from dark brown to a greenish yellow in colour. There are concentric rings and ridges visible on the outer surface. Inside of the shell is white. Right valve has 2 cardinal teeth resembling blunt spines, posterior largest. Left valve has 1 cardinal tooth.

Habitat: Thick mud, muddy sand or muddy gravel from 5 m onwards.

Distribution: Some records from SW Britain, east of Ireland, Northern Ireland and west Scotland.

Similar Species: Could be confused with some other superficially similar bivalves especially Solecurtus scopula. Careful inspection of diagnostic features such as cardinal teeth and overall shape and appearance of the shell should help to distinguish.

Key Identification Features:

• Shell gapes at each end.
• Periostracum dark brown to green-yellow, thick and wrinkled.
• 2 cardinal teeth on right valve.
• 1 cardinal tooth on left valve.

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

iNaturalist: Azorinus chamasolen at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Azorinus chamasolen

WoRMS: Azorinus chamasolen at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Azorinus chamasolen (da Costa, 1778). AphiaID: 141541.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Bivalvia; Autobranchia; Heteroconchia; Euheterodonta; Imparidentia; Cardiida; Tellinoidea; Solecurtidae; Azorinus