Description: A thick set bivalve with a few broad and flat concentric ridges, that can reach up to 2.5 cm. It has an broadly triangular outline, with a rounded lower edge. It is very variable in colour, ranging from white, yellow, purple, to pink or even brown. In these colours there are lines, spots or rays forming variable patterns on the outer surface of the shell. In each valve there are 3 cardinal teeth and no lateral teeth. The inside of the shell is white but may occasionally have a purple tint.

Habitat: Coarse gravel, shelly gravel or sandy or muddy gravel; from low water mark down to over 100 m.

Distribution: Found all around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Could be confused with other superficially similar bivalves, especially Venus species.

Key Identification Features:

• Thick set bivalve with a few broad, flat concentric ridges.
• Patterning of lines, spots or rays.

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

iNaturalist: Clausinella fasciata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Clausinella fasciata

WoRMS: Clausinella fasciata at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Clausinella fasciata (da Costa, 1778). AphiaID: 141909.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Bivalvia; Autobranchia; Heteroconchia; Euheterodonta; Imparidentia; Venerida; Veneroidea; Veneridae; Venerinae; Clausinella