White-sand macoma • Macoma secta
Identification
This bivalve's thin white shell is distinguished by a ridge running across the posterior end (starting at the umbo, near the hinge). The shell measures up to 12 cm long, and has a glossy finish that may be worn away over time. The siphons are white and separate (as with other Macoma species).
Habitat & Range
The white-sand macoma is found on sheltered sandy shorelines in the intertidal and subtidal to depths of 50 cm. It tends to bury deep in sediment (to 20-45 cm) and so is not commonly found by beachcombers. Its range extends from southern Alaska to northern Mexico.
Intriguing Info
This species commonly plays host to pea crabs.
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/117614-Macoma-secta
This bivalve's thin white shell is distinguished by a ridge running across the posterior end (starting at the umbo, near the hinge). The shell measures up to 12 cm long, and has a glossy finish that may be worn away over time. The siphons are white and separate (as with other Macoma species).
Habitat & Range
The white-sand macoma is found on sheltered sandy shorelines in the intertidal and subtidal to depths of 50 cm. It tends to bury deep in sediment (to 20-45 cm) and so is not commonly found by beachcombers. Its range extends from southern Alaska to northern Mexico.
Intriguing Info
This species commonly plays host to pea crabs.
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/117614-Macoma-secta
References
Harbo, R. M. (1997) Shells & Shellfish of the Pacific Northwest. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing. P. 158.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell (2017).
Harbo, R. M. (1997) Shells & Shellfish of the Pacific Northwest. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing. P. 158.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell (2017).