Evergreen Natural History Database

Common name(s): White Clam Macoma

Size:
Up to 100mm

Range:
British Columbia, Canada to California

Habitat:
Intertidal to 50 m. Prefers sandy substrates in sheltered waters, burrowed up to 20 cm deep.

Misidentification:
Macoma inquinata, Macoma nasuta

Life History:
Unlike most bivalves, Macoma secta is not a suspension filter feeder but a deposit filter feeder. Its siphons are separated. The inhalant siphon takes up detritus and organic matter directly from the substrate while the exhalant siphon deposits the indigestible particles and sediment elsewhere.

Predators:
Polinices lewisii.

*"Size" refers to shell length only and only gives the largest average size for the given species.

Last updated Tuesday, August 29, 2006, by Lisa Ferrier