The pullet carpet shell (Venerupis pullastra) is a marine bivalve with a robust, oval, somewhat trapezoidal shell, measuring up to 6 cm. Its outer shell features distinct concentric growth rings and fine radial lines, often in shades of grey, cream or brown with darker bands. The interior is smooth and glossy white, sometimes with purplish markings. Key distinguishing features include its thick siphons, which are joined along their full length and a prominent pallial sinus that extends more than half the length of the shell. It lives burrowed in sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal areas and is harvested for consumption. |
