Systematic Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Veneroida
Family: Veneridae
Genus: Tapes
Species: Tapes literatus
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Chinese name: ¨F¸Ã

 
Characteristic Features

Ovate-rhomboidal, moderately compressed, thin shell with almost parallel ventral and posterior dorsal margins. Fine concentric grooves which are strongest posteriorly. Creamy, with fine, brown, zig-zag lines and irregular blotches. It is unusual to find two specimens marked alike. Pattern almost infinite.

Habitat

Shallow water.

Size

~40 - 90 mm (shell length)
Distribution

Indo-Pacific.

Commercial
fishery		 Moderately important.