Photo 1: A Washington Butter Clam. (Photo taken near Hardwick Island.)
Washington Butter Clam: Saxidomus gigantea
This large clam is common on gravel beaches where it is usually buried at least 30 cms deep. It is a favourite in chowders and is a much sought after clam. In the past, this clam was the most important commercial species until market changes in the 1980s favoured the littleneck clams (Pacific Littleneck Clam and Japanese Littleneck Clam).
This clam is generally oval in shape with concentic rings and no radial ribbing. There is a gap in the shell where the siphon protrudes.