Native Littleneck Clam
Medium, oval to round with concentric rings and both vertical and horizontal ridges that creates cross-hatching appearance.
Cream to grey, sometimes with brown markings.
Higher and rounder than the similar Manila.
Often found alongside Butter Clams, Littlenecks are unique among saltwater clams by occasionally forming pearls.
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Length 4 to 7 cm (1.5 to 3 inches) |
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Weight Varied. |
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Habitat Alaska to Mexico. In B.C., they are widespread and common in protected bays and estuaries, but numbers are declining in some areas. |
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Fishing Found up to 15 cm (6 inches) beneath the surface in firmer, gravelly sand. |
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Cooking Smaller and considered more tender than other clams. Steaming with butter is popular. |
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Notices Beware of Red Tide or Sanitary Contamination. Check for closures at LINK. |
