• Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Mollusca
  • Class: Bivalvia
  • Order: Veneroida
  • Family: Cardiidae
  • Scientific name: Cerastoderma edule
  • Norwegian: hjertemusling

Characteristics:

The two symmetrical shell valves make a heart-shaped appearance. The outer outer surface is scored with radiating ridges. The color is pale brown, beige or off-white. It may grow to a diameter of 5 cm.

Habitat:

The common cockle is found buried or partially in mud and sand. They are sometimes very abundant on shallow estuaries and on expansive beaches. It is most frequent in the tidal zone.

Distribution:

It is registered in the East Atlantic Ocean, from Norway to West Africa.