Measled Cockle (also known as Strawberry Cockle)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia, Order: Cardiida, Family: Cardiidae, Genus: Trachycardium, Species: Trachycardium muricatum · Cardiidae (Cockle family) · Bivalve (two-shelled), whole shell, roughly heart-shaped/oval disc
Species
Trachycardium muricatum
Shell Type
Bivalve (two-shelled), whole shell, roughly heart-shaped/oval disc
Family
Cardiidae (Cockle family)
Size
Approximately 0.75 to 1 inch, which is smaller than average for this species. Adults typically range from 1 to 2 inches.
Color & Pattern
The base color is creamy white to pale yellow, adorned with distinct reddish-brown speckles and spots concentrated mostly along the ribs. The colors appear natural and slightly sun-bleached on the exterior.
Rarity
Common
Habitat
Found in shallow marine waters, typically living just beneath the surface of clean sand or muddy sand flats in intertidal to shallow subtidal zones.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and down to Brazil.
Description
A sturdy, charming little bivalve featuring prominent radial ribs that give the margin a strongly serrated or scalloped edge. The exterior displays a convex, rounded profile with distinctive reddish spots sprinkled across its pale surface, giving it a playful, speckled appearance.
Key Features
Distinctive heart-shaped profile when viewed from the side, prominent radial ribs with fine scale-like projections or tubercles, and characteristic reddish-brown dots scattered over a light background.
Collector Value
Low to moderate value. While very popular among casual beachcombers and beginner collectors, they are common enough that pristine, large specimens are inexpensive.
Condition Notes
The shell is intact as a single valve, displaying moderate wear along the margins and slight fading of colors, placing it in Good to Fine collectibility grade.
Interesting Facts
Cockles are capable of using their strong, muscular foot to leap or jump away from predators like predatory snails and starfish, rather than just burrowing.
Ecological Role
Serves as an important prey item for various carnivorous gastropods, fish, and shorebirds, helping to cycle nutrients in benthic marine environments.
Similar Species
Magnum Cockle (Dinocardium robustum), which is significantly larger and more robust with more numerous ribs.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along sandy ocean-facing beaches after storms or rough surf, particularly at low tide when sandbars are exposed.