West Atlantic Surfclam

spisula solidissima

The West Atlantic Surfclam, also known as the bar clam or hen clam, is a large, robust marine bivalve native to the western Atlantic Ocean. Thriving in the turbulent waters of the sandy surf zone, this impressive clam plays an essential role in its coastal ecosystem by filtering immense quantities of seawater and helping to stabilize shifting sands. It is one of the most commercially valuable clam species in North America, widely harvested for seafood dishes like clam chowders and fried clam strips. Despite heavy harvesting pressures, active management and sustainable fishing practices have helped maintain healthy populations of this resilient mollusk. Can you find a West Atlantic Surfclam? Log it and verify its identity with the Snappit app.

Habitat: Found in the shallow subtidal zone of sandy beaches and continental shelves, typically burrowed in clean sand from the low tide mark down to depths of about 60 meters.

Appearance

The West Atlantic Surfclam features a large, heavy, and triangularly oval shell that typically reaches 10 to 22 centimeters in length. The shell's exterior is relatively smooth with fine, concentric growth lines and is covered in a thin, yellowish-brown outer skin that often wears away to reveal a chalky, off-white base. Inside, the shell is smooth and white, featuring a prominent, spoon-shaped hinge cavity where the internal ligament attaches, distinguishing it from other beach-dwelling bivalves.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassBivalviaOrderVeneridaFamilyMactridaeGenusSpisula

West Atlantic Surfclam

Interesting facts

A single female surfclam can release up to several self-produced millions of eggs into the water column during a single spawning event.

Much like counting the rings of a tree, scientists can determine the precise age of a surfclam by counting the annual growth lines on its cross-sectioned shell.

They are the primary species harvested for the commercial clam strip and clam chowder industries in the United States.

Special abilities

Uses a highly muscular, tongue-shaped foot to anchor itself and quickly pull its shell deep into loose, wet sand to escape heavy waves and predators.

Capable of processing gallons of seawater every hour, filtering out organic particles and plankton while purifying the local aquatic environment.

Features long, muscular siphons that extend to the surface of the sand to draw in oxygenated water and food while keeping the body safely buried.

Measurements & details

Length: 10-22 cm
Weight: 0.2-0.9 kg
Lifespan: 15-40 years
Incubation: 18-35 days

Diet & Feeding

As a suspension feeder, it sucks in seawater through its incurrent siphon, using its gills to trap microscopic organisms and organic particles.

Age differences: Planktonic larvae feed exclusively on tiny microalgae, while settled adults filter a wider variety of phytoplankton and organic particulate matter.

Primary Foods

Diatoms
Dinoflagellates
Microscopic algae
Suspended organic detritus

Foraging Method

Filtering

Ecological connections

eaten by

Atlantic Moon Snail

Neverita duplicata

Prays upon the surfclam by drilling a neat, countersunk hole directly through its thick shell to consume the soft inner tissues.

eaten by

Forbes Sea Star

Asterias forbesi

Uses its powerful water vascular system and tube feet to pry open young surfclams on the ocean floor.

eaten by

Human

Homo sapiens

Harvests adult surfclams on a massive commercial scale using hydraulic dredges for food products.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify West Atlantic Surfclam?

The easiest way to identify West Atlantic Surfclam is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is West Atlantic Surfclam?

10-22 cm

How much does West Atlantic Surfclam weigh?

0.2-0.9 kg

How long does West Atlantic Surfclam live?

15-40 years

What does West Atlantic Surfclam eat?

As a suspension feeder, it sucks in seawater through its incurrent siphon, using its gills to trap microscopic organisms and organic particles.

Where is West Atlantic Surfclam usually found?

Found in the shallow subtidal zone of sandy beaches and continental shelves, typically burrowed in clean sand from the low tide mark down to depths of about 60 meters.

How does West Atlantic Surfclam hunt?

Filtering

How long do West Atlantic Surfclam eggs take to hatch?

18-35 days