This is the Warty Venus (Venus verrucosa), sometimes known as the Warty Clam. It is a sturdy bivalve with a rounded, thick shell marked by strong concentric ridges and rough bumps that develop as it grows. Shell colour ranges from pale cream to yellowish-brown, often with a white interior. Adults are usually between 40 and 70 mm in width.

Location:
Distributed across the eastern Atlantic—from the British Isles and the coasts of western Europe to Portugal and northwest Africa—as well as throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Typically found in shallow coastal waters.

Average Size:
Most individuals grow between 40–70 mm in width, although size can vary between regions.

Family:
Veneridae (Venus Clams)

Species:
Venus verrucosa

Ecological Role:
Like many clams, the Warty Venus is a filter feeder. It draws in seawater and removes plankton and tiny organic particles, helping to improve water clarity and nutrient balance. By burrowing into sand or gravel, it also helps to stabilise the seabed, which provides shelter for other small marine species.

Movement and Sensory Features:
Although mostly sedentary, it can move short distances using its muscular foot to burrow or shift position in the sediment. It responds to changes in water quality and disturbances through simple touch and chemical sensing.

Reproduction:
Males and females release eggs and sperm into the surrounding water. After fertilisation, the larvae spend a short period drifting in the plankton before settling on the seabed, where they grow into adults. Growth rate and breeding season can vary depending on temperature and local conditions.

Conservation Status:
The species is widespread and remains common in suitable habitats. It is harvested for food in several countries, and although not regarded as globally threatened, local populations may be affected by fishing, habitat disturbance and pollution.