Animal Profiles
Molluscs

Quahog Clam

Mercenaria mercenaria

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The quahog is a thick-shelled bivalve of western Atlantic coastal waters. It lives partly buried in sediment and draws food-bearing water through its siphons.

Quahog clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) in a planted marine aquarium before burying itself.

Quahog clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) in a planted marine aquarium before burying itself.

Coughdrop12 · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Quahogs inhabit shallow coastal sand and mixed muddy sand along eastern North America.
Habitat
Coast
Diet
Filter feeder
Food
Water passing across the gills brings plankton and other suspended particles.

Classification

Common name
Quahog Clam
Browse group
Molluscs
Scientific name or taxon
Mercenaria mercenaria
Taxon rank
species
Order
Venerida
Family
Veneridae
Genus
Mercenaria
Source classification
Bivalvia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It is a bivalve mollusc.
  • A muscular foot aids burial.
  • The gills capture suspended food.

Habitat and range

Quahogs inhabit shallow coastal sand and mixed muddy sand along eastern North America. Suitable sediment supports burial while leaving access to the water above.

Appearance and adaptations

Two heavy shell valves enclose the body. Concentric growth lines mark the outside, and a muscular foot helps the animal move into sediment.

Diet and behaviour

Water passing across the gills brings plankton and other suspended particles. Cilia and mucus collect food, while retractable siphons connect the buried animal to the surrounding water.

Sources

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