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 valve, fan/oval shape
Species
Chione cancellata
Shell Type
Bivalve (two-shelled), whole shell valve, fan/oval shape
Family
Veneridae (Venus Clam family)
Size
Approximately 1 inch (25 mm) in length, which is average for this species. Adults typically range from 0.75 to 1.5 inches (20 to 38 mm).
Color & Pattern
Uniform chalky white exterior due to sun-bleaching. Living specimens typically feature a grayish-white base color ornamented with reddish-brown zigzag patterns or concentric bands. The interior is white, often with a deep purple flush near the hinge and posterior margins.
Rarity
Common
Habitat
Found in shallow marine waters, typically in intertidal to shallow subtidal zones down to about 30 meters. Prefers sandy or muddy sand substrates, often buried just beneath the surface in seagrass beds or protected bays.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina and Florida through the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and down to Brazil.
Description
A sturdy, thick-shelled bivalve featuring a distinct cancellated (grid-like) surface sculpture created by prominent, raised radial ribs intersecting with equally spaced concentric lamellae. The margin is finely crenulated, and the overall shape is a compact, rounded-triangular oval.
Key Features
Distinct grid-like exterior texture formed by prominent radial ribs crossing over sharp, raised concentric ridges; rounded-triangular outline; crenulated inner margin.
Collector Value
Low to moderate value. While very common and inexpensive as individual beach finds, perfectly fresh live-collected specimens with full color patterns are popular among beginner and intermediate shell collectors, typically worth only a few dollars.
Condition Notes
Good condition for a beach-worn specimen. It is an intact single valve, heavily sun-bleached to a pure white color with loss of original brown patterns. A small predator drill hole is visible on the lower left portion of the valve. Collectibility grade is Good.
Interesting Facts
Like many venus clams, Chione cancellata is a filter feeder that uses siphons to draw in water and extract microscopic plankton. The neat grid pattern on its shell acts as a structural reinforcement, making the shell exceptionally strong against crushing predators.
Ecological Role
Serves as an important prey item for carnivorous gastropods (like moon snails and whelks), fish, and crabs. They contribute to benthic bioturbation and help filter organic particulates from the water column.
Similar Species
Chione intidula (Smooth Venus) and Anomalocardia brasiliana. Chione cancellata is distinguished by its much sharper, more pronounced grid-like cross-bars.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along high tide wrack lines on sandy or shelly beaches in the southeastern United States, Florida, and the Caribbean. Post-storm beachcombing often yields the best results as wave action uncovers buried bivalves.