Atlantic Strawberry Cockle
Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Mollusca; Class: Bivalvia; Order: Cardiida; Family: Cardiidae; Genus: Americardia; Species: Americardia media · Cardiidae (Cockle family) · Bivalve (single valve). Fan-shaped/Sub-quadrate.
Species
Americardia media
Shell Type
Bivalve (single valve). Fan-shaped/Sub-quadrate.
Family
Cardiidae (Cockle family)
Size
Approximately 15-20mm in width. This is a small specimen; adults typically reach 25-50mm.
Color & Pattern
Uniform creamy yellowish-tan. Natural patterns of reddish-brown spots are missing due to sun-bleaching and beach wear. The interior appears a lighter cream.
Rarity
Common beach find, though perfectly articulated pairs are less common.
Habitat
Shallow water marine environments, typically found in sandy substrates from nearshore to depths of 200 feet.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic: North Carolina to Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and South America to Uruguay.
Description
A sturdy, thick-walled bivalve characterized by its roughly square or heart-shaped profile. The shell features approximately 30-36 distinct radiating ribs that are scaly or beaded. One side of the shell is notably flattened, giving it a 'cut-off' appearance when viewed from the side.
Key Features
Sub-quadrate (square-like) shape; distinct posterior slope; strong radiating ribs with small scales; prominent 'drill hole' near the umbo caused by a predatory gastropod.
Collector Value
Minimal monetary value ($1-$5) due to size and beach wear. It has great educational value for demonstrating marine predation via the drill hole.
Condition Notes
Fair condition. Significant weathering has smoothed the scales on the ribs and bleached the color. It is a single valve (not a pair) and features a perfectly round predation hole, likely from a Moon Snail or Murex.
Interesting Facts
The hole seen in this specimen is a 'drill hole' made by a predatory sea snail's radula. Cockles are known for having a strong, L-shaped muscular foot that allows them to perform small 'jumps' to escape predators like sea stars.
Ecological Role
Suspension feeder that filters plankton from the water column. They serve as a vital food source for predatory snails, rays, and sea stars.
Similar Species
Americardia guppyi (smaller, less square) and Papyridea lata (broader, more fragile).
Beach Finding Tips
Look in shell drift lines after high tide or storms. They are frequent on Florida and Caribbean beaches. Scan for the unique 'squared-off' edge among more rounded shells.