(Lovén, 1846)
Description:
Shell quite convex, with a relatively long spout. Can be confused with Cuspidaria cuspidata , but the shell is thinner and the lateral teeth are triangular, pointed. Surface of shell smooth, glossy and transparent.
Size:
Up to 14 mm long.
Colour:
White.
Animal:
The siphons are relatively short and the hinder part of the shell is drawn out to partially cover them; their orifices are protected by long tentacles whose ends are divided into several finger-like points. The Cuspidarians are the only truly carnivorous bivalves. The gill is a muscular septum and the pumping and sucking action of this draws in food consisting mainly of dead crustacea.
Habitat:
In depths of 200-600 m.
Distribution:
Quite common in Denmark, in the deep waters of the Skagerak. Along the Swedish and Norwegian coasts up to the North Cape. Further in great depths (500 m) in the Atlantic Ocean and the east coast of North America (Distr. C. obesa).