Quahog

Quahog (or Hard Clam) is a common name for a large, edible clam species, Mercenaria mercenaria, found along the east coast of North America. The name "quahog" is derived from the Narragansett language, spoken by the Narragansett people, a Native American tribe in Rhode Island.

Description

The quahog is a bivalve mollusk, meaning it has a two-part hinged shell. The shell is thick and hard, hence the alternative name "hard clam". The color of the shell can vary from white to gray, with purple patches on the inside. The size of the quahog can range from 1 inch (2.5 cm) to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.

Habitat

Quahogs are found in the intertidal and subtidal zones of bays and estuaries along the east coast of North America, from Prince Edward Island in Canada to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms and can tolerate a wide range of salinities.

Life Cycle

Quahogs are hermaphroditic, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs. They spawn in the summer, releasing eggs and sperm into the water. The fertilized eggs develop into larvae, which float in the water for about two weeks before settling on the bottom and metamorphosing into juvenile clams.

Human Use

Quahogs have been harvested by Native Americans for thousands of years, both for food and for the purple patches on the inside of the shell, which were used to make wampum, a type of ceremonial bead. Today, quahogs are commercially harvested and are a popular seafood item, especially in New England. They are used in a variety of dishes, including clam chowder and stuffies.

Conservation

While quahog populations are currently stable, they face threats from pollution, habitat loss, and overharvesting. Efforts are being made to manage and conserve quahog populations, including regulations on size and harvest limits, and the establishment of protected areas.

See Also

• Clam
• Mollusca
• Bivalvia
• Wampum
• Clam chowder
• Stuffies

Quahog Resources
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