Mollusca
Lima pellucida
(Pellucid file clam)
Size
Length: To 2.5cm (1") but often smaller
Recognition Characters
Shells are long and oval, slightly inflated. Valves are thin with fine, distant threadlike radial riblets on exterior. Interior is smooth. Mantle margin bears numerous, long, beaded tentacles.
Color
White to translucent white. Soft tissues which may be seen through shell are often pinkish orange.
Habitat & Depth
Attach under rocks, ledges, and wrecks. Shallow water to 30m.
Distribution at GRNMS
Occasional. Can be found attached to underside of ledges or rocky rubble.
Geographic Range
North Carolina south to Brazil. Gulf of Mexico
Behavior & Notes
File clams are usually found and recognized because of long tentacles being extended. They attach themselves to hard substrates by a bundle of strong protein threads called a byssus.
Synonyms
Limaria pellucida
Ruppert and Fox 1988, Abbott 2001