Surf Clams

Introduction

Surf Clam is one of the common clams readily available in the Arabian Sea. The word “clams” is often applied only to those bivalve mollusks that are edible and live as infauna, spending most of their lives half-buried in the seabed or riverbeds.

Surf Clams, in the strict sense, are bivalves with equal shells closed by two adductor muscles situated at opposite ends of the shell, and with a powerful, muscular, burrowing foot. Clams characteristically lie buried from just beneath the surface to depths of about 0.6 meters (2 feet).

Flavor Profile

They have a mild aroma and taste which slowly becomes more prominent as it is chewed. The flesh is soft and firm and should be enjoyed slowly to allow the sweet flavors and aromas to be released during consumption. Surf clams can also be found on high-end sushi menus.

The tip of the foot will turn a bright pink or red, making it a standout among the tuna and salmon. Another way this clam can be used is in a raw preparation by using more than just the foot. By separating the parts of the clam normally used for minced clams, careful slicing can turn them into a high-end dish. The texture and flavor profile are similar to geoduck, yet mild and versatile enough for a large number of applications

Nomenclature

English Name: Surf Clam, Clam, Sea Clam
Local Name: Seep
Scientific Name: Spisula solidissima

Habitat

Surf Clams can be found in almost all types of freshwater and saltwater habitats, but are very common in large rivers and streams. Most burrow into the soft substrate to varying depths, while some groups live free on the sea floor.

Catching Method

Surf Clams are caught using hand gears, dredgers, and are harvested by raking.

Physical Attributes

Surf clam shells are thick, moderately inflated with a variable, nearly equilateral to rather an inequilateral shape, trigonal-ovate in outline; umbones anterior, poorly inflated, pointing on top of dorsal margin; lunule smooth and poorly defined, escutcheon indistinct; outer surface of shell smooth, except from low concentric growth marks; periostracum smooth and glossy; hinge plate moderately thick, with a concave ventral margin, bearing in each valve 3 strong cardinal teeth and well developed anterior lateral teeth; pallial sinus broad and rather shallow, forming a horn-shaped process ventrally; internal margins smooth.

Appearance

Surf clams are triangled in shape and their shells come in a variety of colors including white, tawny orange, yellow and dark gray.

Size

On average, Surf Clams’ size range is 3 to 6 inches. However, other sizes are also occasionally available.