Atlantic surf clam

Atlantic surf clams reproduce in late summer, when the water temperatures peak.

People on the beach often pick up a large empty shell of this species, either to dig in the sand with, or take home to use as a decorative dish or ashtray.

This common species occurs off the east coast of North America from New-Brunswick to South Carolina.

[4] The shells of surf clams show growth rings and can demonstrate changes in the environment of the individual.

[4] These clams use their siphons to pull in and then filter fine particles of organic matter and plankton from the surrounding seawater.

[5] Atlantic surf clams reproduce primarily in late summer (August–October), when the water temperatures are around their highest.

A drawing of an Atlantic surf clam, an animal with a spade-shaped shell. It is black-and-white, with clear dark lines of growth.
A drawing showing clearly the lines of growth.
Photograph of a medium-sized fishing boat from a slight distance, as it lowers a clam dredge into the water. The photograph is taken from a perspective that shows the shore behind the boat.
Fishing boat deploying a clam dredge in nearshore waters in Cape May, New Jersey, United States of America.
Photograph of an Atlantic surf clam, an animal with a spade-shaped off-white shell.
An 8 cm juvenile valve of Spisula solidissima
Global capture production of Atlantic surf clam ( Spisula solidissima ) in thousand tonnes from 1950 to 2022, as reported by the FAO [ 7 ]