Meretrix meretrix is a common shellfish. The shell is firm, and the shell petals are equal left and right; The two sides are unequal, and the top beak of the shell is located in the first half; The shape is slightly oval. Ligaments are embedded, not protruding from the shell surface, and the broad brown oval arch extends almost to half of the rear edge.

The crescent surface is very long and heart-shaped. Although it is not particularly obvious, there are clearly visible bright and dark thin radial ribs on the shell surface. The surface of the shield is reduced to contact only the posterior edge of the ligament. Radial ribs and concentric growth lines, the latter becomes particularly prominent in the front and back of the shell, forming a cross-shaped cloth pattern on the surface of the shell.

Extended data:

Living habits

Clams in the Philippines live in caves by digging sand and mud with developed axe feet. At high tide, it rises to the surface of the beach and extends out of the water pipe for breathing, feeding and excretion. After the dry tide or when encountering external stimulation, the double shells are closed tightly, or the telescopic activities of the feet retreat into the bottom of the cave, leaving two holes formed by the close proximity of the inlet and outlet pipes on the beach surface.

The digging depth of Ruditapes philippinarum varies with individual size, sediment composition and seasonal changes. In the season when the individual is small, the bottom is soft or the water temperature is high, the cave is shallow; But if the individual is large, the bottom material is hard or in cold winter, it will dive deeper. But generally speaking, the depth of the cave is about 3- 15 cm.

References:

Baidu Encyclopedia-Clam Philippines