It can be found along North America coast of the Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Massachusetts to the West Indies and Brazil.

[1] It resides from the low-tide line to a depth of ten feet.

The blood ark clam is often noted for its appearance, for it can be two-thirds covered by dark brown, fur-like periostracum.

It also noted for its red blood, which is a result of it containing hemoglobin; this makes it different from the majority of mollusks and earned it its name.

The size is typically between one and three inches in length.