Noetia ponderosa, or the ponderous ark clam, is a marine clam in the family Noetiidae.[1]

Noetia ponderosa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Arcida
Family: Noetiidae
Genus: Noetia
Species:
N. ponderosa
Binomial name
Noetia ponderosa
(Say, 1822)

Description

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The shape of the shell is rounded trigonal, almost as high as long,
with 27-31 squared radial ribs divided by fine incised lines,
and a distinctive brown or black periostracum. The exterior and interior of the shell is a white color. Size approximately 50–60 mm.[2]

Right and left valve of the same specimen:

Distribution

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Atlantic coast of North America, ranging from Virginia to Florida,
West Indies, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Central America.[3][2]

Habitat

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Noetia ponderosa typically resides in shallow water on the ocean floor.

References

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  1. ^ "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Noetia ponderosa (Say, 1822)". marinespecies.org. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  2. ^ a b Mikkelsen, Paula M. (2008). Seashells of southern Florida : living marine mollusks of the Florida keys and adjacent regions, bivalves. Rüdiger Bieler. Princeton: Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0-691-11606-8. OCLC 78071775.
  3. ^ Abbott, R.T. & Morris, P.A. A Field Guide to Shells: Atlantic and Gulf Coasts and the West Indies. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1995. 11.