Hard Clam

Natural Habitat

Coastal marine environments, typically burrowed in sandy or muddy substrates in intertidal to subtidal zones. They are found in estuaries, bays, and protected coastal waters.

Diet & Feeding

Filter feeder, primarily consuming phytoplankton, algae, and small organic particles from the water column.

Behavior Patterns

Bivalves are sessile or burrowing organisms that feed by filtering water to extract plankton and other organic matter. They have two shells (valves) that are hinged and can close for protection. Movement is typically limited to burrowing using a muscular foot. Reproduction is usually sexual, with external fertilization and a larval stage that drifts in the water column before settling.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits: Important food source for humans and marine life. They filter water, improving water clarity and quality. Risks: Can accumulate toxins (e.g., from harmful algal blooms) making them unsafe for human consumption. Overharvesting can deplete populations. Habitat degradation (pollution, coastal development) also poses a risk.

Identified on: 7/4/2025