Cross-barred Venus Clam
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia, Order: Venerida, Family: Veneridae, Genus: Chione, Species: Chione cancellata · Veneridae (Venus Clam family) · Bivalve (two-shelled clam), whole shell, fan/rounded shape
Species
Chione cancellata
Shell Type
Bivalve (two-shelled clam), whole shell, fan/rounded shape
Family
Veneridae (Venus Clam family)
Size
Approximately 0.75 inches, which is typical for a medium-sized adult specimen. Adults generally range from 0.5 to 1.5 inches.
Color & Pattern
Off-white to grayish base color with faint brownish spots and broken bands along the radial ribs. The colors appear slightly sun-bleached. The interior is porcelain-white with a purple tint near the posterior margin.
Rarity
Common
Habitat
Shallow subtidal and intertidal zones, typically found buried in fine sand, muddy sand, or shell grit substrates in marine environments.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic, extending from North Carolina through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and down to Brazil.
Description
A solid, heavy, inflated bivalve shell with a distinctive cross-hatched sculptural pattern created by prominent radial ribs intersecting with raised concentric lamellae. The margin is finely crenulated, and the overall shape is rounded to subtriangular.
Key Features
Distinctive grid-like (cancellated) surface texture formed by prominent radial ribs crossed by sharp, elevated concentric lamellae.
Collector Value
Low to moderate value. While very popular among beginning beachcombers and casual collectors due to their distinct texture, they are too common to command high prices, typically worth a few cents to a dollar.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition. The shell is intact with clearly visible sculpture, though it shows minor weathering and slight sun-bleaching characteristic of beach-worn specimens.
Interesting Facts
Venus clams are filter feeders that use siphons to draw in water and extract microscopic algae and detritus. They play an important role in benthic nutrient cycling.
Ecological Role
Serves as an important food source for bottom-feeding fish, rays, and carnivorous gastropods, contributing significantly to the coastal marine food web.
Similar Species
Chione elevata (King's Venus), which has fewer and coarser radial ribs. Comparison requires careful counting of the rib elements.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along high-tide shell lines on sandy Atlantic and Gulf beaches, particularly after storms or heavy wave action that uncovers buried bivalves.