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What are the tiny colorful clams you find under the sand when digging?

July 23, 2008 by Beach Chair Scientist 8 Comments

These tiny colorful clams are commonly known as coquina clams.

Did you see them wriggle under the sand? They use a muscled foot to dig a burrow and hide from their enemies: crabs, sea stars, and snails. They can feed themselves with the muscle coming out of the other end, called a siphon. The siphon basically just sucks in the “vitamins” of the sea for the clam to grow on.

Clams grow very fast in the summer and fairly slow in the winter. You can tell the age of a clam by counting the darker rings. The softer rings are the slow growth of winter. Think how your hair grows longer and faster in the summer.

Did you know that colorful coquina clams are the sign of a healthy beach? Check the video posted here!

Do you have another great question? Email info@beachchairscientist.com and share.

Filed Under: Bivalves Tagged With: Clam, Clams, Cook, Fish and Seafood, Shellfish, Soups and Stews

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