Rafinesque, 1815
Shell typically thick and strong, equivalve; inequilateral, umbones anterior to midline, usually prominent. Sculpture principally of concentric grooves. Characteristically with three cardinal teeth in each valve, occasionally with anterior lateral teeth. Lunule distinct. Ligament external. Adductor scars about equal, pallial line with a sinus.
Source: Hayward, 1990.
The following subtaxa of this family occur in the region:
Genus Chamelea
Chamelea striatula
Genus Clausinella
Clausinella fasciata
Genus Dosinia
Dosinia exoleta
Dosinia lupina
Genus Gouldia
Gouldia minima
Genus Irus
Irus irus
Genus Mercenaria
Mercenaria mercenaria
Genus Paphia
Paphia aurea
Paphia rhomboides
Genus Tapes
Tapes decussata
Tapes philippinarum
Genus Timoclea
Timoclea ovata
Genus Venerupis
Venerupis saxatilis
Venerupis senegalensis
Genus Venus
Venus casina
Venus verrucosa