Mollusca
Dinocardium robustum
(Giant Atlantic Cockle)
Size
Length: 5.5-13.5cm (2.25-5.25")
Recognition Characters
Shell is large, broadly ovate, and inflated. Rounded angle runs from umbones to lower end of hind margin. Radial ribs on hind 2/3 of shell are flattened, on front 1/3 of ribs they are rounded with strong scalelike ridges. Spots on ribs are often in concentric series.
Color
Exterior is whitish-yellow, with scattered reddish-brown spots on ribs. Hind end is brownish. Interior pale reddish or purplish-brown, white toward front, hind margin brown.
Habitat & Depth
In mud and sand from shallow water to 30m depth.
Distribution at GRNMS
Common. In mud and sand surrounding reef areas.
Geographic Range
Virginia south to Northern Florida. Texas and Mexico
Behavior & Notes
This is the largest cockle on the Atlantic Coast. It is common on North Carolina to Florida beaches and its flesh makes excellent chowder.
Synonyms
Rehder 1981