Macoma nasuta

FMIB_34796_Shell_of_Macoma_nasuta

Macoma nasuta is a species of bivalve mollusk in the family Tellinidae. Commonly known as the bent-nosed clam, it is found along the Pacific coast of North America, ranging from Alaska to Baja California.

Description

Macoma nasuta has a distinctive bent or curved shell, which is typically white to light brown in color. The shell can grow up to 7 centimeters in length. The interior of the shell is often tinged with purple. The clam's siphons are long and can extend several centimeters beyond the shell when the animal is feeding.

Habitat

This species inhabits sandy and muddy substrates in intertidal and subtidal zones. It is commonly found in estuaries and bays where it burrows into the sediment. Macoma nasuta is adapted to low-oxygen environments and can tolerate a range of salinities.

Feeding

Macoma nasuta is a suspension feeder, using its siphons to filter plankton and organic particles from the water. It can also feed on detritus by extending its siphons into the sediment.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Macoma nasuta occurs through external fertilization. Spawning typically takes place in the spring and summer months. The larvae are planktonic and undergo several stages of development before settling to the bottom and metamorphosing into juvenile clams.

Ecological Importance

Macoma nasuta plays a significant role in the ecosystem as both a prey item and a sediment bioturbator. It is a food source for various predators, including birds, fish, and crustaceans. By burrowing and feeding, it helps to aerate the sediment and recycle nutrients.

Human Interaction

While not a major target for commercial fisheries, Macoma nasuta is sometimes harvested for bait and by recreational clam diggers. It is also studied for its responses to environmental changes and pollution, making it an important species for ecological research.

Conservation Status

Currently, there are no major conservation concerns for Macoma nasuta. However, like many marine organisms, it could be affected by habitat degradation, pollution, and climate change.

See Also

• Bivalvia
• Tellinidae
• Suspension feeding
• Estuary