Description: A robust bivalve with a thick, broadly oval shaped shell. It reaches around 5 cm in length. It has a cream, grey or fawn coloured exterior with patterning of red or purple rays, streaks, blotches or zigzags. There is a sculpture of concentric ridges with faint radiating lines on the outer surface of the shell. Three cardinal teeth in each valve, central in left bifid, posterior in right bifid. No lateral teeth. Interior of the shell is glossy white. Pallial sinus is deep, rounded, and reaches just past the midline of the shell.

Habitat: Mixed sandy substrata or muddy gravel in sheltered areas, from the lower shore down to around 35 m.

Distribution: Widespread around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Could potentially be confused with Ruditapes decussatus or Ruditapes philippinarum.

Key Identification Features:

• Robust bivalve with broadly oval shell.
• Cream to fawn, sometimes with irregular red and purple patterning.
• 3 cardinal teeth in each valve, central in left and posterior in right bifid.
• No lateral teeth.
• Pallial sinus deep, rounded and reaches just past the midline of the shell.

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

iNaturalist: Venerupis corrugata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Venerupis corrugata

WoRMS: Venerupis corrugata at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Venerupis corrugata (Gmelin, 1791). AphiaID: 181364.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Bivalvia; Autobranchia; Heteroconchia; Euheterodonta; Imparidentia; Venerida; Veneroidea; Veneridae; Tapetinae; Venerupis