Sunray Venus Clam
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia, Order: Venerida, Family: Veneridae, Genus: Macrocallista, Species: Macrocallista maculata · Veneridae (Venus Clam family) · Bivalve (clam/two-shelled), whole shell, fan or oval shape
Species
Macrocallista maculata
Shell Type
Bivalve (clam/two-shelled), whole shell, fan or oval shape
Family
Veneridae (Venus Clam family)
Size
Approximately 1.5 inches, which is on the smaller side for this species. Adults typically range from 2 to 4 inches.
Color & Pattern
Pale yellowish-brown or cream background featuring faint, brownish radial rays or spots. The colors are slightly sun-bleached and worn from exposure, common in beach-cast specimens.
Rarity
Common
Habitat
Found in shallow marine waters, typically buried in clean fine sand or sandy-mud bottoms from the low intertidal zone down to about 100 feet.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and south to Brazil.
Description
A sturdy, smooth, oval-to-elongated bivalve shell with fine concentric growth lines and broad, faint radial rays. The exterior texture is relatively smooth despite some surface wear, and the specimen shows classic rounded margins characteristic of the Venus clam family.
Key Features
Smooth, glossy exterior texture (when fresh), oval-elongate shape, and distinctive brownish radial rays on a light background. Strong hinge teeth typical of the Veneridae family.
Collector Value
Low to moderate value. While very popular for casual beachcombing collections, pristine gem-grade specimens with vibrant rays command higher interest than heavily worn beach finds like this one.
Condition Notes
Fair condition. The shell is intact as a single valve, but shows moderate surface wear, fading of the distinctive ray pattern, and minor edge chipping from wave action. Collector grade: Fair.
Interesting Facts
Venus clams get their name from Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, inspired by the classic mythology of birth from a sea shell. They are active burrowers using a muscular foot.
Ecological Role
Serves as prey for various marine predators including carnivorous snails, rays, and crabs. They filter plankton from the water column, contributing to water clarity.
Similar Species
Sunray Venus can sometimes be confused with the Giant Atlantic Cockle (Acardium robustum) or other venerid clams, but is distinguished by its smoother surface and specific ray patterns.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along high-tide wrack lines on sandy beaches following storms or heavy surf in Florida and the Caribbean. Single valves are frequently washed ashore.