Systematic Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Veneroida
Family: Veneridae
Genus: Tapes
Species: Tapes
(Adams & Reeve, 1850)
Common name: Japanese Littleneck
Chinese name: 沙蜆

Elongate-oval shell, the umbones well toward the anterior edge. Shell surface is finely ribbed. Ornamentation is both by radial ridges and faint concentric markings; annual growth rings often prominent. The basic shell colour is pale brown with a vast range of variably dark brown markings.

Shallow water.

~30 - 60 mm (shell length)

Indo-Pacific. Hong Kong - in wide areas including Sam Pui Chau, Shui Hau, Tai Tan, Sai Keng, and many sand / muddy beaches or sea bottom.