General Description

This moderately-sized, solid shell has a distinctive wedge shape with the anterior margin rounded and the posterior side more or less straight. Exterior colour variable from lavender to pink, yellow or green. Interior colour purple or pink. External coating pale yellow, green or brown. Shell up to 6 cm across.

Biology

This species often occurs in large numbers, but populations can be subject to great natural fluctuations in number. They are harvested commercially for both human consumption and bait, and at times have been considered as a potential species for aquaculture. They make shallow burrows, just below the surface of the sand, are suspension feeders and can quickly right themselves if washed around by the surf. They are also known as Goolwa Cockles in South Australia and Eugarie in Queensland.

Distribution

South-eastern and eastern Australia.

Habitat

Exposed sandy beaches, in low intertidal areas.

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