Cross-barred Venus Clam (or Cross-barred Chione)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia, Order: Venerida, Family: Veneridae, Genus: Chione, Species: Chione elevata · Veneridae (Venus Clams) · Bivalve (single valve, exterior view, rounded sub-trigonal/fan-like shape)
Species
Chione elevata (formerly Chione cancellata)
Shell Type
Bivalve (single valve, exterior view, rounded sub-trigonal/fan-like shape)
Family
Veneridae (Venus Clams)
Size
Approximately 12-15 mm (0.5-0.6 inches) in length based on scale against fingers. Small adult/juvenile specimen; adults typically reach 20-40 mm (0.75-1.5 inches).
Color & Pattern
Off-white to creamy base background decorated with brownish to orange-tan radial blotches and mottling across the prominent concentric ridges. Interior appears pale/white.
Rarity
Very Common
Habitat
Shallow marine intertidal to subtidal zones, typically burrowed shallowly in sand, mud, or seagrass beds.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic, ranging from North Carolina south through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and into the Caribbean.
Description
A sturdy, thick single valve of a Cross-barred Venus clam showing distinctive sharp, elevated concentric lamellae (raised ridges) intersected by fine radial ribs, creating a classic grid-like lattice or cross-hatched pattern. Features a neat, circular drill hole near the umbo caused by a predatory moon snail or murex.
Key Features
High, raised concentric ridges intersecting with lower radial ribs to form a cancellate (cross-barred) sculpturing pattern; triangular-ovate shell outline; distinct circular predatory drill hole.
Collector Value
Low monetary value ($0-$2 USD) as it is a common species and damaged by predation. Highly educational and interesting for beachcombers and classroom teaching due to the clear drill hole.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good beach specimen. Ribs and sculpture are remarkably well-preserved with little beach wear, though light sand grains remain trapped in the ridges. Coloration is natural and moderately fresh. Notable for a clean, perfectly round drill hole made by a predatory gastropod.
Interesting Facts
The neat circular hole in the center was drilled by a predatory sea snail (such as a Moon Snail or Drill Snail) using its specialized radula and acidic secretions to drill through the thick shell and feed on the clam inside.
Ecological Role
Infaunal filter feeder consuming phytoplankton in shallow coastal marine waters. Serves as a major food source for sea stars, crabs, fish, and predatory gastropods.
Similar Species
Chione cancellata (Southern Cross-barred Venus, found further south in the Caribbean), Lirophora paphia (Imperial Venus Clam, which has broader, thicker concentric ribs without pronounced cross-barring).
Beach Finding Tips
Look along sandy beaches, tidal flats, and near seagrass beds at low tide throughout Florida and the Gulf coast. Shell valves frequently wash ashore along high tide wrack lines.