Systematic Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Veneroida
Family: Solecrutidae
Genus: Sinonovacula
Species: Sinonovacula constricta
(Lamarck, 1818)
Chinese name: ¸t¤l

 
Characteristic Features

Elongate, narrow, rather fragile shell with bluntly rounded gaping ends. Smooth; with concentric striations. Small beaks near center. Yellowish periostracum.
Habitat

Mostly sublittoral, occasionally on sand flats at extreme low tide.
Size

~50 - 100 mm (shell length).
Distribution

Indo-Pacific (West Pacific), Japan.
Commercial
fishery		 Economically important. Commonly used as fresh, dried or canned food.