Sunray Venus, Sunray Clam
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia, Order: Venerida, Family: Veneridae, Genus: Macrocallista, Species: nimbosa · Veneridae (Venus Clam family) · Bivalve (two-shelled); specifically a single valve (half-shell). Shape is elongated-oval, sub-trigonal.
Species
Macrocallista nimbosa
Shell Type
Bivalve (two-shelled); specifically a single valve (half-shell). Shape is elongated-oval, sub-trigonal.
Family
Veneridae (Venus Clam family)
Size
Approximately 4-5 inches (10-12 cm). This is average for a mature adult; they can reach up to 6 inches, making them one of the larger bivalves in their range.
Color & Pattern
Base color is a creamy tan to salmon-pink. It features striking, dark purplish-brown radial bands (the 'sunrays') emanating from the umbo (beak) toward the margin. The shell displays a naturally glossy, porcelain-like finish.
Rarity
Common to Very Common. Frequently found on the Gulf coast of Florida and barrier islands after storms or high tides.
Habitat
Shallow marine environments, typically sub-tidal. Prefers sandy bottoms where it can burrow easily, ranging from the low tide mark to depths of about 30 feet.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic, primarily from North Carolina south to Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and into the Caribbean.
Description
An elegant, elongated oval bivalve with a smooth, highly polished exterior. The shell lacks heavy ribs, instead featuring very fine concentric growth lines. The interior is typically a smooth white or pale pink with a distinct pallial sinus.
Key Features
Elongated-oval shape (longer than it is tall); smooth glossy texture; distinctive radial 'sunray' color pattern; absence of thick radial ribs found in other Venus clams.
Collector Value
Minimal monetary value ($1-$5) due to its abundance, but highly desired by amateur collectors for its aesthetic beauty and iconic Florida appearance.
Condition Notes
The specimen in the image is in 'Fine' to 'Good' condition. It retains strong color and luster, though there is some slight blunting at the umbo and minor surface abrasions, which is typical for beach-found specimens.
Interesting Facts
The animal is edible and was historically consumed by Native American tribes. The 'Sunray Venus' was once the subject of a commercial fishery in Florida during the 1960s, though it is no longer commercially harvested on a large scale.
Ecological Role
Suspension feeder that filters plankton from the water column. They serve as a food source for gastropods like whelks, as well as rays and shorebirds. Not currently listed as a threatened species.
Similar Species
Macrocallista maculata (Calico Clam), which is shorter, more rounded, and features a checkered or 'calico' pattern rather than distinct radial rays.
Beach Finding Tips
Look for these along the Gulf Coast of Florida (especially Sanibel and Marco Islands) after a strong westerly wind. They are often found partially buried in the sand right at the low-tide line.