Clam

A clam is any of a number of edible marine bivalve mollusks living in sand or mud on the shores of oceans.

Characteristics

Clams can be hard-shelled or soft-shelled. The digestible portion of the clam consists of muscles, which allows it to open and close its shell. For example, the siphon is used to take in water. Moreover, the foot is used to thrust itself through the sand.

Types of Clams

• The hard clam – Mercenaria mercenaria
• The soft clam – Mya arenaria
• The surf clam – Spisula solidissima
• The ocean quahog – Arctica islandica
• The Pacific razor clam – Siliqua patula
• The giant clam – Tridacna gigas

Also see mussel.

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Clam is also the name of a commune in the Charente-Maritime département, in France

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