This is the Pacific Asaphis (Asaphis violascens), a medium-sized sand clam in the family Psammobiidae. It has a rounded, oval-shaped shell with strong ribs, and is commonly found in sandy coastal areas of the Indo-Pacific.

Location:
Found across the Indo-Pacific—from Bangladesh, the Philippines, Thailand, and Japan, to many Pacific islands. It lives buried in sandy or gravelly bottoms in shallow water, usually up to about 20 metres deep.

Average Size:
Shells usually grow between 4 cm and 6 cm long, with some reaching up to 7 cm.

Family:
Psammobiidae (Sunset Clams)

Species:
Asaphis violascens

Shell Description:
The shell is slightly rounded and oval, with strong, rounded ribs that run from front to back. The top of the shell (the umbones) is a little closer to the front, and the back edge is curved and slants slightly.

Ecological Role:
It feeds by filtering tiny bits of plankton and organic matter from the water. It is an important part of sandy beach ecosystems and provides food for fish and other animals.

Reproduction:
Like many clams, it has separate males and females. Fertilisation happens in the water when eggs are released. Young clams start life by settling on the sand before burrowing into it.

Conservation Status:
It is not considered globally threatened, but local populations can be affected by habitat changes or over-collecting. Protecting sandy beaches and monitoring populations helps ensure the species remains common.