This is the Pismo Clam (Tivela stultorum), a large, edible bivalve mollusc in the family Veneridae. Named after Pismo Beach in California, this species is prized for its thick, triangular shells and cultural and ecological importance along the eastern Pacific coast.

Location:
Found along the eastern Pacific—from central California, especially Pismo Beach, south through Baja California. It inhabits flat, sandy beaches exposed to surf, from the intertidal zone down to about 30 metres.

Average Size:
Shell width typically ranges from 10 cm to 18 cm (4–7 inches), with particularly large specimens weighing up to around 2 kg.

Family:
Veneridae (Venus Clams)

Species:
Tivela stultorum

Shell Description:
The shell is thick, heavy, and inflated with a triangular outline. The exterior shows fine concentric lines and is usually cream to buff in colour, sometimes with purple-brown bands and a varnish-like coating. The interior is white.

Ecological Role:
A suspension feeder, filtering plankton and organic matter from the water. It is an important food source for shorebirds, fish, crabs, gastropods, and sea otters.

Reproduction:
Separate sexes with external fertilisation by broadcast spawning. Spawning takes place mainly in summer, releasing millions of eggs. Free-swimming larvae settle into the sand before burrowing as juveniles.

Conservation Status:
Not currently assessed globally by the IUCN, but populations have declined historically due to overharvesting and environmental pressures. Strict recreational regulations now apply, including daily limits, size restrictions, and the reburying of undersized clams. Conservation measures and monitoring are supporting population recovery.