Partially-rough Venus Clam Shell, Iliochione subrugosa
Partially-rough Venus Clam Shell, Iliochione subrugosa. Shell collected from within the estuary of the Magdalena Bay complex, Baja California Sur, October 2018. Size: 4.2 cm (1.7 inches) x 3.3 cm (1.3 inches).
Phylogeny: The Partially-rough Venus Clam Shell, Iliochione subrugosa (Wood, 1828), is a bivalve mollusk that is a member of the Veneridae Family of Venus Clam Shells. The genus Iliochione is one of one hundred seven genera in this family, and this is the only species in the genus. They are known in Mexico as Venus Rayada.
Description: Partially-rough Venus Clam Shells are sturdy, moderately inflated, and have a trigonal outline. They are shiny and sculpted with wavy, concentric, ridges that are most noticeable toward the beak and ends of the shell. The exterior of these shells varies in color from gray, pink, white or tan, with purplish-brown radiating bands. The interior is white and may have purple staining around the margins. The Partially-rough Venus Shells reach 5.0 cm (2.0 inches) in length and 3.9 cm (1.5 inches) in height.
Habitat and Distribution: Partially-rough Venus Clam Shells reside intertidally on and within mud substrate. They are a subtropical to tropical Eastern Pacific species. In Mexican waters they range from Bahía Magdalena, Baja California Sur to Guatemala. They are found throughout the Gulf of California.
Ecology and Behavior: Partially-rough Venus Clam Shells are suspension feeders that feed primarily on planktonic algae and suspended organic matter. They are gonochoric and reproduce sexually, through broadcast spawning, with external fertilization. There is no mention in the available literature of them engaging in any types of parasitic, commensal, or symbiotic relationships. Partially-rough Venus Clam Shells are edible and targeted by artisanal and commercial fisheries. From a conservation perspective they have not been formally evaluated however they are fairly common with a relatively wide distribution and should be consider to be of Least Concern.
Synonyms: Anomalocardia broggi, Anomalocardia subrugosa, Chione subrugosa, Venus subrugosa, and Venus triradiata.