Clam

A clam is a common name for several kinds of bivalve molluscs, especially those with two similar shell halves and a burrowing lifestyle.

A clam is a common name for several kinds of bivalve molluscs, particularly those with two similar shell halves and a burrowing lifestyle. The term is used loosely in both biology and cooking, and it can refer to species found in marine or freshwater habitats.

Classification and naming

Clam is a common, informal name for certain bivalve molluscs rather than a precise scientific group. In strict usage it often refers to bivalves with two similar shells and a burrowing lifestyle, but everyday usage can be broader.

Anatomy and behaviour

Clams typically have two hinged shells of roughly equal size, adductor muscles, and a muscular foot used for movement and burrowing. Many species are infaunal, spending much of their lives partly or fully buried in sediment.

Habitat and distribution

Clams live in both saltwater and freshwater habitats. Species diversity is especially high in North America, and different species occupy a wide range of coastal and riverbed environments. Clams are found in Canadian marine and freshwater environments, and species such as the northern quahog occur as far north as Nova Scotia, making them relevant to Canadian fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal ecology.

Ecological and human importance

Clams are filter feeders that contribute to aquatic food webs and ecosystem functioning. They are also harvested and farmed for food, making them economically important in many regions. Clams are important in human diets and support commercial fisheries and aquaculture.