General Description

The white shells are heavy, obliquely ovate, with a thick external coating (periostracum), particularly at the posterior. Exterior sculpture of broad, strong, radial ribs. The adults are usually without a thread-like byssus. Shell up to 8 cm across.

Biology

Mud Arks burrow in the mud. This species belongs to a group of bivalves that mainly occur in tropical waters of northern Australia. They are sometimes taken by humans for eating, but they do not contain much meat. Empty shells are often found in Aboriginal middens.

Distribution

Southern Australia, except Tasmania.

Habitat

Sheltered intertidal areas and shallow mud flats, sand and seagrass.

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