Veneridae

Veneridae is a family of marine bivalve mollusks commonly called venus clams. Its members typically have rounded shells and muscular feet adapted for burrowing in sediment.

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Bivalvia: Bivalvia is a class of mollusks whose bodies are enclosed by two hinged shells. Veneridae belongs to this two-shelled mollusk class.
Filter feeding: Filter feeding is the capture of suspended particles from water passed through a feeding structure. Venerid clams draw water across their gills to collect food particles.
Mercenaria: Mercenaria is a genus of large edible venus clams native to the western Atlantic. Its hard clam species are prominent examples of commercially harvested venerids.
Hard clam: The hard clam is a large edible bivalve native to the western Atlantic, also called quahog. It is a heavily harvested venerid and a major North American shellfish.
Tellinidae: Tellinidae is a family of marine bivalves that often have thin, elongated shells and live in sediment. Tellinid shells are commonly more elongated than the rounded shells typical of venerids.
Mollusca: Mollusca is a diverse animal phylum that includes snails, octopuses, and bivalves. The family sits within the broader mollusk body plan.
Bivalve gill: A bivalve gill is a respiratory organ that also commonly filters food from water. The gills support both respiration and particle capture in venerids.
Ruditapes: Ruditapes is a genus of venus clams that includes the Manila clam. Its widespread Manila clam illustrates venerid aquaculture and invasion.
Manila clam: The Manila clam is an edible venus clam native to the western Pacific and widely cultivated elsewhere. Its aquaculture and spread beyond its native range make it a notable venerid.
Cardiidae: Cardiidae is a family of marine bivalves commonly called cockles, often with strongly ribbed shells. The prominent radial ribs of many cockles contrast with many venerid shell patterns.