Cross-barred Venus Clam
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia, Order: Venerida, Family: Veneridae, Genus: Chione, Species: Chione cancellata · Veneridae (Venus Clam family) · Bivalve (two-shelled), whole shell, fan or triangular-oval shape
Species
Chione cancellata
Shell Type
Bivalve (two-shelled), whole shell, fan or triangular-oval shape
Family
Veneridae (Venus Clam family)
Size
Approximately 0.5 inches (12-15 mm), which is small and juvenile or sub-adult size. Adults typically range from 0.75 to 1.5 inches.
Color & Pattern
Off-white to pale cream base color with subtle brownish or grayish radial bands. The colors appear mostly natural, slightly weathered from beach tumbling, with no heavy sun-bleaching. The interior is porcelain-white with a hint of purple near the hinge.
Rarity
Common
Habitat
Shallow subtidal to intertidal zones, typically found buried in sandy bottoms, muddy sand, or seagrass beds in protected marine waters.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and down to Brazil.
Description
A charming, miniature bivalve featuring a distinct, sturdy triangular-oval shape. The exterior showcases a highly prominent grid-like or cancellate sculpture, formed by the intersection of strong, raised concentric ridges and fine radial ribs. The margin is finely crenulated, and the hinge features strong, interlocking cardinal teeth typical of the Venus clam family.
Key Features
Distinctive grid-like (cancellate) surface sculpture created by raised concentric lamellae crossing radial ribs, combined with a thick, robust shell and a finely toothed internal shell margin.
Collector Value
Low to moderate commercial value due to abundance, but highly appreciated by micro-shell collectors and beachcombers for its intricate sculptural details. Typically worth only a few cents to a dollar individually.
Condition Notes
Good to Fine condition. Intact single valve with well-preserved exterior sculpture and minimal edge wear. No major boring holes or heavy encrustations.
Interesting Facts
Like many Venus clams, Chione cancellata feeds by filtering microscopic plankton from the water column using specialized siphons while buried just beneath the sand surface.
Ecological Role
Serves as an important prey item for carnivorous gastropods, fish, and crabs, contributing to the benthic food web while participating in benthic bioturbation and biofiltration.
Similar Species
Chione elevata (Florida Cross-barred Venus), which is very closely related and has slightly different rib spacing and geographical overlap; distinguished primarily by subtle sculptural variations.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along shell lines on sandy Gulf or Atlantic beaches after a storm or incoming high tide, particularly in shell-rich areas near tidal inlets and seagrass beds.