(Linné, 1758)
Description (shell):
Shell elongate, elliptical, gaping at each end; umbones anterior to midline. Sculpture of fine concentric lines, developing as fine ridges anteriorly and posteriorly; growth stages clear. Right valve with two thin cardinal teeth anterior to chondrophore, and a single, poorly developed posterior lateral tooth. Left valve with two cardinals forming a solid, forked structure; a third, very fine posterior cardinal, and very thin, single anterior and posterior laterals. Adductor scars and pallial line distinct, anterior adductor larger and more elongate than posterior; lower edge of pallial sinus distinct from pallial line.
Size:
Up to 130 mm long.
Colour:
White or yellowish, often tinted pink or purple, glossy; periostracum olive, thick, brittle and peeling readily in dead specimens. Inner surfaces dull white.
Animal:
The animal is white; the mantle edges close for two-thirds of their extend and are fringed with white. The siphons are connected throughout their total length. The large, thick foot is capable of considerable extension.
Habitat:
Burrows in mixed soft substrata, from the lower shore to about 100 m.
Distribution:
Distributed from Norway south to the Mediterranean and West Africa (Distr. L. lutraria).