Little Pink Bivalve / Tellin or Donax
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia, Order: Cardiida, Family: Donacidae, Genus: Donax, Species: Donax variabilis · Donacidae (Coquina family) · Bivalve (two-shelled), whole valve, disc to wedge shape
Species
Donax variabilis (Coquina clam) or similar small tellin
Shell Type
Bivalve (two-shelled), whole valve, disc to wedge shape
Family
Donacidae (Coquina family)
Size
Approximately 0.5 inches (12-15 mm), which is typical for small beach bivalves or juvenile specimens.
Color & Pattern
Soft pastel pink and white coloration with concentric growth lines. Appears slightly worn or sun-bleached from wave action.
Rarity
Very Common
Habitat
Shallow intertidal zones, surf zones, and sandy beaches where they burrow rapidly into the wet sand.
Geographic Range
Widely distributed in temperate to tropical coastal waters, depending on the exact small bivalve species.
Description
A small, delicate bivalve valve featuring a rounded-triangular or wedge shape with fine concentric growth lines. The exterior exhibits a lovely soft pink hue blending into white near the umbo.
Key Features
Small size, wedge-like or rounded profile, pink and white color banding, and visible concentric ridges.
Collector Value
Low monetary value, but highly popular for shell crafts, children's collections, and casual beachcombing displays.
Condition Notes
Single valve, slightly weathered edges with minor sand clinging to the surface. Collectibility grade is Good for a common beach find.
Interesting Facts
Coquinas and small beach clams are famous for their ability to rapidly burrow back into the sand as waves recede using a muscular foot.
Ecological Role
Serves as an important food source for shorebirds, fish, and crabs, playing a key role in the coastal marine food web.
Similar Species
Other small beach-dwelling bivalves such as juvenile tellins (Tellinidae) and dwarf surf clams (Mactridae).
Beach Finding Tips
Look in the swash zone—the area where waves wash up on sandy beaches—just as the water recedes, often revealed by tiny bubbling holes in the sand.