Ark clam

Ark clam
Arca zebra shell.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Bivalvia
Subclass:	Pteriomorpha
Order:	Arcoida
Family:	Arcidae Lamarck, 1809
Genera
See text

Ark clams are bivalve molluscs of the family Arcidae. Ark clams number about 200 species and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The outer skin of the ark clam acts as camouflage, matching its surroundings. The shells actually look like stones when lying on the bottom of the water. Ark clams are commonly used as bait as well as food throughout the Caribbean.

Ark clams are easily recognizable by their distinct ark-shape, as well as clear muscle scars on the inside. Coming in white, brown, or tan shades on the outside, they tend to have white insides with somewhat darker (e.g. purple) lining, varying in size and quantity.

Genera

• Arca Gray, 1857
• Anadara Gray, 1847
• Arca Linnaeus, 1758
• Barbatia Gray, 1847
• Bathyarca Kobelt, 1891
• Bentharca Verrill and Bush, 1898
• Noetia
• Samacar Iredale, 1936
• Scapharca
• Senilia
• Trisidos

External links

• ITIS
• Archerd Shell Collection, Ark clams