Tapes japonica

The Manilla Littleneck Clam or The Japanese Littleneck

Phylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia
Order Veneroida
Family Veneridae
Genus Tapes
Species japonica

Description: 6 cm long, 2 to 4 cm high; whitish to gray or even brownish, often with dark brown blotches; inside the valves it is a yellowish color with purple blotches near the posterior end; resembles P. staminea, but is usually more oblong.

Habitat: Found buried just below the surface in sand, gravel and mud, just above the low tide line.

Natural History: This clam was accidentally brought to this area with the Japanese Oyster, C. gigas. Now it has become widespread throughout the Puget Sound and is harvested commercially. We found this clam during one of our many afternoons spent at The Evergreen State College beach.