Rough Clam Shell, Leukoma aspirrima

Rough Clam Shell, Leukoma asperrima. Shell collected off the shore of Bahía Concepción, Baja California Sur, October 2019. Size: 2.7 cm (1.1 inches) x 2.5 cm 1.0 inch). Collection and identification courtesy of Bob Hillis, Ivins, Utah.

The Rough Clam, Leukoma asperrima (G.B. Sowerby I, 1835), is a member of the Veneridae Family of Venus Clams. The shell has a circular to oval profile being thin in structure and moderately inflated. They have 36 to 40 slightly rounded radial ribs that are crossed with fine commarginal striae that may only be visible at the posterior end . The exterior of the shell is cream, tan, brown or white in color which some shells having darker bands, chevrons or maculations and the interior is varies from bluish, purple or whitish. The Rough Clam reach a maximum of 5.1 cm (2.0 inches) in length and 4.7 cm (1.8 inches) in height.

Rough Clams are found sand or muddy sand in the intertidal zone to depths up to 16 m (52 feet). In Mexican waters they are a resident of the Pacific and found throughout the Sea of Cortez, and south along the coastline to Guatemala. They have not been documented along the Pacific Coast of the Baja.

Synonyms include Prothaca asperrima and Venus asperrima.