Description: This bivalve superficially resembles a cockle but is instead a venus shell. It is white to yellow or fawn in colour, sometimes with darker blotches or streaks. It reaches up to 2 cm in size and is broadly triangular in outline by adulthood, more circular as a juvenile. The outer surface of the shell has up to 50 radiating ribs , which when intersected concentric grooves form tubercles. 3 cardinal teeth in each valve, no lateral teeth. Pallial sinus is shallow and triangular.

Habitat: Sand, muddy sand, gravel and shelly gravel.

Distribution: Found on most coasts around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Could potentially be confused with some species of cockles but the presence of cardinal teeth distinguish it.

Key Identification Features:

• Superficially resembles a cockle.
• Up to 50 radiating ribs, which form tubercles when intersected by grooves.
• 3 cardinal teeth on each valve.
• No lateral teeth.
• Small, triangular pallial sinus.

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

iNaturalist: Timoclea ovata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Timoclea ovata

WoRMS: Timoclea ovata at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Timoclea ovata (Pennant, 1777). AphiaID: 141929.

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