Coquina
Donax variabilis
Coquina
Donax variabilis
The Coquina Clam, or just Coquina, is a species of small edible saltwater clam in the family Donacidae, the bean clams. It is also known as chip-chip in Trinidad and chipi-chipi in Venezuela. It is a warm water species which usually occurs on the east coast of the United States, Trinidad as well as the Caribbean coast of Venezuela. It is not a common shell to find on the west coast of Barbados.
The shell is small, lightweight, smooth surfaced, wedge-shaped shell. They are typically less than 2.5 cm (1 inch) long. The external shell sculpture consists of a pattern of radiating ribs and concentric grooves. The colours are variable, ranging from white, yellow, pink, and orange to blue and purple. They often display darker bands or rays radiating across the shell.
The Coquina is edible and is used to make broth and sauces in some countries. Some people collect the colorful shells to use for crafts.
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Cardiida
Family: Donacidae
Genus: Donax
Binomial name: Donax variabilis
Donax variabilis
The Coquina Clam, or just Coquina, is a species of small edible saltwater clam in the family Donacidae, the bean clams. It is also known as chip-chip in Trinidad and chipi-chipi in Venezuela. It is a warm water species which usually occurs on the east coast of the United States, Trinidad as well as the Caribbean coast of Venezuela. It is not a common shell to find on the west coast of Barbados.
The shell is small, lightweight, smooth surfaced, wedge-shaped shell. They are typically less than 2.5 cm (1 inch) long. The external shell sculpture consists of a pattern of radiating ribs and concentric grooves. The colours are variable, ranging from white, yellow, pink, and orange to blue and purple. They often display darker bands or rays radiating across the shell.
The Coquina is edible and is used to make broth and sauces in some countries. Some people collect the colorful shells to use for crafts.
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Cardiida
Family: Donacidae
Genus: Donax
Binomial name: Donax variabilis
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