Heart clam

Introduction: The almost perfectly round shell of the heart clam (Dosinia lupinus orbignyi) has a heart-shaped depression extending across the valves in front of the hinge. Heart clams burrow in sub-tidal sands. The siphons are often triple the length of the shell.

Distribution: Throughout Namibian coastal waters including Terrace Bay, Torra Bay, Henties Bay, Jakkalsputz, Wlozkasbaken, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

Diet: Filter-feeds by sucking water through an inhalant siphon through sheet-like gills before expelling the waste through an exhalant siphon.

Colouration: White shell

Breeding: Sperm and eggs develop into planktonic larvae once they have been ejected into the water.

Max size: 50mm