Softshell Clam
Cultured Species
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Photo |
Names |
Illustrations by Chris Van Dusen |
Latin: Mya arenaria French: Mye German: Sandklaffmuschel Spanish: Almeja Russian: Myahkhyaya rakushka Japanese: Oonogai |
Description |
Place in Food Chain |
| The softshell clam is a cousin of the hardshell clam. The clam can reach sizes of 15 cm (6 in) but are usually found at half that size. The clam shell is an off white color and is thin and brittle. The clam is a bivalve filter feeder. Because of this clams can collect any toxins, bacteria, or algae that float in the water. One of the more dangerous algae is red tide. Clams that ingest the red tide may contain the organism that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning. | filter feeders - feed off detritus and other material that float by them |
Markets |
Commercial Aspects |
Exporting
Countries Primary Consumers |
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Production Trends |
Diet/Health Info |
Production in the United States has decreased rapidly. Approximately 2,000 metric tons of meat were produced in 1992, down from nearly 6,000 in 1990. |
As filter feeders clams can collect dangerous pollutants, bacteria, and toxins in their tissues. Among these are the organisms that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning. Buyers should be aware of the orgin of the clams they purchase and the water quality of that region. Clams from afflicted regions should not be eaten raw. |
The Global Supply |
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