Venerupis philippinarum

Venerupis philippinarum, also known as the Manila clam, Japanese littleneck clam, Japanese cockle and Asari clam, is a species of bivalve belonging to the family Veneridae. This clam is an important species for both commercial fisheries and aquaculture.

Taxonomy

The scientific name Venerupis philippinarum was first described by Adolphus Dean Adams and Arthur Adams in 1854. The genus name Venerupis is derived from Venus, the Roman goddess of love, and rupis, meaning rock. The species name philippinarum refers to the Philippines, where the species was first discovered.

Description

Venerupis philippinarum is a small to medium-sized clam, with a maximum shell length of about 65 mm. The shell is elongated, oval, and sculptured with radiating ribs. The color of the shell varies from grayish to yellowish-brown, often with dark bands.

Distribution and habitat

The Manila clam is native to the Pacific coast of Asia from the Yellow Sea to the Philippines. It has been introduced to North America, Europe, and New Zealand. It inhabits intertidal and subtidal zones, usually in sandy or muddy substrates.

Ecology

Venerupis philippinarum is a filter feeder, extracting plankton and other food particles from the water column. It is preyed upon by a variety of species, including birds, fish, and humans.

Human use

The Manila clam is one of the most important species for commercial fisheries in the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is also cultivated in aquaculture operations in its native range and in other parts of the world.

Conservation

While Venerupis philippinarum is not currently considered threatened, it is susceptible to pollution and habitat loss. Overharvesting can also be a concern in some areas.

See also

• Clam
• Aquaculture
• Fisheries

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