Acanthocardia aculeata

Large cockle ( Acanthocardia aculeata )

The Great cockle ( Acanthocardia aculeata ) is a species of bivalve mollusc of the order Veneroida. It is variously referred to as a long -spined cockle or as prickly cockle. The latter name, however, is also used for the closely related species Acanthocardia echinata.

Features

The case of the Great cockle is 4 to 10 inches long. The surface is ornamented with 20 to 22 ribs, which are bristling with sharp spines. The spines are at the rear end considerably larger and leaner than the front end, where they are short and blunt. The shell is relatively thin for a cockle. The color is usually light brown to ocher-brown; also albino forms occur. The castle has the right door next two cardinal teeth on two front teeth side and a rear side tooth. In the left valve the two cardinal teeth are different. The housing gapes at the back end slightly. The front and rear sphincter are approximately equal ( isomyar ). The siphons are relatively short and the lateral line is ganzrandig ( integripalliat ).

Dissemination, lifestyle and deposits

The distribution area of the Great Southern Norway cockle extends to Morocco. It penetrates also into the Mediterranean, where it has spread its maximum. The species occurs from the intertidal zone to the continental shelf beyond 100 m depth before. She lives buried in sandy to silty soils enemy in the vicinity of seagrass beds.

Commercial importance

The Great cockle is fished and eaten especially in the Mediterranean. The flaps are also used for making jewelry.