31 August 2021

Coquina clams (Donax variabilis) are tiny saltwater molluscs found on sandy beaches from Virginia to Texas. Their variable colors are beautiful and at only 3/4 inch long they are just the right size for collecting. I usually find an empty half shell rather than two joined like butterfly wings (above).

Since I only pay attention to empty shells I never thought about where they live and how they get there until I saw this video. Watch two coquina clams disappear in the sand.

I find it very peaceful to watch coquina clams slipping into the sand where the ocean meets the land. Video from July 2021 near St. Augustine, Florida. pic.twitter.com/wWtp6rhxvE

— Mike Benard (@BenardMF) August 29, 2021

(photos from Pinke via Flickr and Florida Fish & Wildlife on Flickr)