Home Species list Gastropods Bivalves Eigg list Links

Cerastoderma edule - Common edible cockle
and
Cerastoderma glaucum - Lagoon cockle

Similar species: Acanthocardia echinata
Cerastoderma edule - © Sarah Longrigg

ABCD 
Top row - Cerastoderma edule. Bottom row - Cerastoderma glaucum
Shells "A" measure aprox 30mm in height.

Cerastoderma edule (top) Cerastoderma glaucum (bottom)
rounded shapeAmore angular shape
more flattened ribsAmore prominent ribs
slightly thicker shellAslightly thinner shell
long hingeBshort hinge
wavy posterior valve marginsCstraight posterior valve margins
interior ribs near margins onlyDinterior ribs throughout shell
diffuse stain near anterior marginDwell defined stain near anterior margin

With thanks for help from Terry Wimbleton, Jan Johan ter Poorten and members of conchology-uk