Hard Clams or Quahogs

The hard clam can be found in

fairly high salinity areas

of the bay region.

Hard Clams or Quahogs

They are usually found in shallow

burrows in the mud and sand.

Hard Clams or Quahogs

Like other clams, the hard clam

is a filter feeder usually filtering

single celled algae like diatoms.

Hard Clams or Quahogs

Hard clams have limited

locomotion with their muscular foot; however,

they rarely move if left

undisturbed.

Hard Clams or Quahogs

The hard clam is known by many names: round

clams, quahog, little neck,

cherrystone and chowder clam.

Hard Clams or Quahogs

Many of these names are based on the size of the clams. Littlenecks are 2.0-2.5 inches; Cherrystones are

3.0-4.0 inches and Chowders are over

4 inches.

Basic Clam Anatomy

Hard Clam Shells

The inside of the shell shows some

key parts. The umbo.

On hard clams, the umbo points

toward the anterior of the clam.

Hard Clam Shells

The anterior and the posterior muscle scares can be

located.

Hard Clam Facts

Individual clams can release as many

as 60 million eggs during one season.

Hard Clam Facts

Hard clams begin life as males and

often become females with

greater maturity.

Hard Clam Facts

Hard clams can live for more than 30

years, occasionally reaching 50 years!