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A 'clam' is a type of mollusk. Clams are invertebrates with shells divided into two pieces called valves. While the term "clam" has no taxonomic significance in biology, it usually refers to either a bivalve (a mollusk whose body is protected by two symmetrical shells) that is not an oyster, mussel, or scallop, and that has a more-or-less oval shape, or to a freshwater mussel ( Merriam-Webster Dictionary ). An exception to the oval shape is the razor clam, which has an elongated shell whose shape suggests a straight razor. The clam's two shells are connected by a hinge joint. Two adductor muscles open and close the shells. The clam has no brain or eyes, but it does have kidneys, a heart, a mouth, and an anus. Clams, like most mollusks, also have open circulatory systems, which means that their organs are surrounded by watery blood that contains nutrients and oxygen. Clams eat plankton, and they themselves are eaten by small sharks and squid.
In culinary use, the term "clam" most often refers to the hard clam (Taxonomically, ''Mercenaria mercenaria'') but may refer to other species such as the soft-shell clam ''Mya arenaria''. They are eaten raw, steamed, boiled, baked or fried; the method of preparation depends partly on size and species. Clam chowder is a popular soup in the U.S. and Canada. In Italy, they are often an ingredient of mixed seafood dishes, or are eaten together with pasta. Saltwater Maxima clams are also somewhat popular in the hobby of fish-keeping. Clams travel by pushing off with a muscular foot-like structure. They also contain little toes that are used in reproduction.
The Moche people of ancient Peru worshipped the sea and its animals. They often depicted clams in their art. ^[1]

Contents

Examples of clams

See also

References

Examples of clams

★ The ark clams, family Arcidae

★ The nut clams, family Nuculidae

★ The pointed nut clams, family Nuculanidae

★ The duck clams or trough shells, family Mactridae

★ The marsh clams, family Corbiculidaess

★ The file clams, family Limidae

★ The hard clam or Northern Quahog: ''Mercenaria mercenaria''

★ The Soft clam: ''Mya arenaria''

★ The surf clam: ''Spisula solidissima''

★ The ocean quahog: ''Arctica islandica''

★ The Pacific razor clam: ''Siliqua patula''

★ The giant clam: ''Tridacna gigas''

★ Chink or Asiatic clam: genus ''Corbicula''

★ Peppery furrow shell: ''Scrobicularia plana''

★ Pismo clam: ''Tivela stultorum'' (8 inch shell on display in the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce)

★ Geoduck clam: ''Panopea abrupta'' or ''Panope generosa'' (largest burrowing clam in the world)

★ The Atlantic jackknife clam: ''Ensis directus

See also

★ Clam bake

★ Clam boil

References

1. Berrin, Katherine & Larco Museum. ''The Spirit of Ancient Peru:Treasures from the Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera.'' New York: Thames and Hudson, 1997.