Expanded macoma • Rexithaerus expansa, formerly Macoma expansa
A broken expanded macoma shell from the Hakai Institute's bivalve collection. Photos by Kelly Fretwell.
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Identification
This clam has a white oval-shaped shell, with one end (anterior) shorter than the other (click here for information on shell orientation). The exterior of the shell has a varnished appearance, sometimes with a yellowish periostracum. The shell reaches 5 cm long.
Habitat & Range
The expanded macoma is a less common species, and is found buried in sand in the intertidal and subtidal to 30 m deep. It inhabits exposed shorelines from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to central California.
This clam has a white oval-shaped shell, with one end (anterior) shorter than the other (click here for information on shell orientation). The exterior of the shell has a varnished appearance, sometimes with a yellowish periostracum. The shell reaches 5 cm long.
Habitat & Range
The expanded macoma is a less common species, and is found buried in sand in the intertidal and subtidal to 30 m deep. It inhabits exposed shorelines from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to central California.
References
Harbo, R. M. (1997) Shells & Shellfish of the Pacific Northwest. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing. P. 153.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell (2017).
Harbo, R. M. (1997) Shells & Shellfish of the Pacific Northwest. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing. P. 153.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell (2017).
