Cockles have two adductor muscle scars of nearly equal size, and cardinal and lateral teeth. Photo of Clinocardium nuttallii shell by Dave Cowles, July 2005
The radial ribs interlock along the ventral margin, which likely strengthens the shell by making the two valves difficult to twist apart. I am holding the two valves slightly apart here to clearly show the gap--in full closure they interlock tightly. Photo by Dave Cowles, July 2005
Clinocardium nuttallii has short siphons, mainly white. Note that the incurrent siphon is larger than the excurrent siphon. Photo by Dave Cowles, July 2007 This species jumps rapidly by extending its foot when it senses predatory seastars such as Pycnopodia helianthoides or Pisaster ochraceus. Click here for a movie of the jump near Pycnopodia.
