Pacific Littleneck Clam, also known as Rock Cockle, Native Littleneck, or Smooth Washington Clam
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia, Order: Venerida, Family: Veneridae, Genus: Leukoma, Species: Leukoma staminea · Veneridae (Venus Clam family) · Bivalve (two-shelled), whole shell, elongated oval shape
Species
Leukoma staminea
Shell Type
Bivalve (two-shelled), whole shell, elongated oval shape
Family
Veneridae (Venus Clam family)
Size
Approximately 3.5 inches in length, which is on the larger end for this species. Adults typically range from 1.5 to 3 inches.
Color & Pattern
Off-white to creamy grey base color with faint concentric growth lines and minor weathered patches. The interior is not visible, and the exterior shows signs of sun-bleaching and natural wear.
Rarity
Common, frequently found by beachcombers and shell collectors along the Pacific Northwest coast.
Habitat
Found in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, burrowing into substrates composed of gravel, sand, mud, or mixed mixtures, often near eelgrass beds in marine environments.
Geographic Range
Pacific coast of North America, ranging from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska down to San Quintin, Baja California, Mexico.
Description
An elongated, oval-shaped bivalve with distinct concentric ridges crossed by fine radial striations, giving the exterior a subtly checkered or textured appearance. The margins are smooth, and the overall form is robust and well-suited for burrowing.
Key Features
Elongated oval outline, prominent concentric growth ridges crossed by fine radial lines, and a robust, heavy shell structure characteristic of the Venus clam family.
Collector Value
Low to moderate commercial or monetary value as a single beach-worn valve, but highly prized by beachcombers and local foragers for educational and personal collections.
Condition Notes
Fair condition; intact single valve showing moderate weathering, sun-bleaching, and some small attachment marks or minor bore holes from marine organisms. Collectibility grade is Good for a beach find.
Interesting Facts
Leukoma staminea is a popular commercial and recreational seafood species, highly valued by indigenous peoples and modern harvesters alike. They are filter feeders that play an important role in coastal water filtration.
Ecological Role
Serves as an important prey species for sea otters, shorebirds, crabs, and fish. Acts as a benthic filter feeder, helping to clear organic particles from the water column.
Similar Species
Manila Clam (Venerupis philippinarum), which has a more oblong shape and more prominent posterior rays, and the Butter Clam (Saxidomus gigantea), which lacks the fine radial striations.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along gravelly or mixed sand-mud beaches in the Pacific Northwest during extreme low tides. Look for small 'show' holes in the sand or gravel indicating where the clam is siphoning.