Atlantic Strawberry Cockle (also known as the Red Strawberry Cockle)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia, Order: Cardiida, Family: Cardiidae, Genus: Americardia, Species: A. media · Cardiidae (Cockle family) · Bivalve (Single valve shown); Shape: Sub-quadrate, inflated, heart-shaped profile when both valves are joined.
Species
Americardia media
Shell Type
Bivalve (Single valve shown); Shape: Sub-quadrate, inflated, heart-shaped profile when both valves are joined.
Family
Cardiidae (Cockle family)
Size
Approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. This is a typical adult size for this species, which generally ranges from 0.75 to 1.5 inches.
Color & Pattern
The shell displays a creamy white or pale base heavily mottled with reddish-pink and brownish flecks. The markings often form distinct spotted bands on the radial ribs. The interior is typically white, often flushed with pink or yellow.
Rarity
Common. These are frequently found as single valves on Caribbean and Florida beaches, though paired 'double' shells are less common.
Habitat
Shallow tropical marine waters, typically found in sandy bottoms, seagrass beds, or near coral reefs at depths from the intertidal zone down to 60 meters.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic; ranging from North Carolina and Florida through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean to Brazil.
Description
A beautiful, sturdy bivalve characterized by its distinctively boxy or 'sub-quadrate' shape. The shell features approximately 30 to 36 strong, scaly radial ribs. When viewed from the side with both valves closed, it forms a perfect heart shape. The specimen in the image shows the characteristic reddish mottling that gives it the 'strawberry' common name.
Key Features
Sub-quadrate (square-like) posterior margin, approximately 33-36 prominent radial ribs with small scales, and a unique pinkish-red spotted color pattern. The hinge is typical of cockles with well-developed lateral teeth.
Collector Value
Low to modest monetarily ($1-$5), but high in aesthetic value for general collectors due to the vibrant color and symmetrical form. They are staples of West Indian beachcombing collections.
Condition Notes
The specimen appears to be in 'Fine' condition. It is a single valve with well-preserved color and clearly defined ribs. There is minor beach-wear on the scales of the ribs, common for beach-found specimens.
Interesting Facts
Cockles are known for their powerful, L-shaped muscular foot which they use not only for burrowing into the sand but also for 'jumping' to escape predators like starfish. The genus name Americardia refers to its American distribution and heart-shaped profile.
Ecological Role
Suspension feeder that filters plankton and organic detritus from the water column. They serve as a food source for various rays, snails, and crabs, and their empty shells provide substrate for small anemones and bryozoans.
Similar Species
Americardia guppyi (Small Strawberry Cockle) which is much smaller and has fewer ribs, and Trigoniocardia antillarum which has a more slanted, oblique shape.
Beach Finding Tips
Search along the high-tide line on sandy beaches in the Florida Keys or the Bahamas after a storm. Look for the distinct square-ish shape and 'strawberry' Red flecks among the smaller shell drift.