Princess Venus, Cancellate Venus, Cross-hatched Venus
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia, Order: Venerida, Family: Veneridae, Genus: Antigona, Species: Antigona listeri · Veneridae (Venus Clams) · Bivalve (single valve shown). Sub-ovate/heart-shaped when both valves are joined.
Species
Antigona listeri
Shell Type
Bivalve (single valve shown). Sub-ovate/heart-shaped when both valves are joined.
Family
Veneridae (Venus Clams)
Size
Approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm). This is a juvenile specimen; adults typically reach 2 to 4 inches (50-100 mm).
Color & Pattern
Off-white to creamy base color with subtle hints of lavender or purple near the umbo (beak). The pattern is dominated by a heavy cancellate (criss-crossed) texture rather than pigment, though it appears slightly sun-bleached. The interior is often washed with yellow or purple in fresh specimens.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While the species is geographically widespread, finding high-quality, large, intact pairs requires dedicated searching.
Habitat
Shallow water marine environments, typically found in sandy substrates, seagrass beds, and near coral reefs at depths of 0 to 100 meters.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic: South Florida, the Caribbean (including Cancun/Mexico), and south to Brazil.
Description
A sturdy, thick-walled bivalve characterized by its beautiful lattice-like sculpture. The surface is covered in strong radial ribs intersected by prominent concentric ridges, creating a 'beaded' or 'cancellate' look. The shape is sub-triangular to ovate with a distinct posterior slope.
Key Features
Distinguished by the sharply defined cross-hatched texture and the slight purple tint near the hinge area. The posterior end is slightly more elongated and squared compared to other Venus clams.
Collector Value
Low to Moderate. Individual beach-worn valves have minimal monetary value ($1-$2), but large, 'Gem' grade matched pairs with deep purple interior coloring are highly desired by bivalve enthusiasts and can sell for $10-$20.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. This is a single valve (one half of the clam) that appears beach-worn. The sharp edges of the lattice sculpture have been softened by wave action, and the color has likely faded from sun exposure. There are no visible boring holes, but some minor chipping on the edges.
Interesting Facts
Venus clams are named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty. Many species in this family are edible and chemically sensitive to their environment, making them excellent indicators of water quality.
Ecological Role
Suspension feeder that filters plankton and organic detritus from the water column. They serve as a vital food source for rays, predatory gastropods, and sea stars.
Similar Species
Chione cancellata (Cross-hatched Venus) is much smaller and has more prominent, leaf-like concentric ridges. Mercenaria mercenaria (Quahog) lacks the heavy lattice texture.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along the high-tide line after a storm. In the Cancun area, check sandy pockets between limestone rocky outcrops or in the wash near seagrass beds at low tide.
Notes
Cancun