MOLLUSCA : [unassigned] Euheterodonta : PharidaeSNAILS, SLUGS, ETC.

Ensis magnus Schumacher, 1817


Ensis magnus image: bep2_1952
Ensis magnus

Description: This razor clam is up to 15 cm long and has one almost straight side (dorsal) and one curved side (ventral). Shell is white to cream, with red-brown or orange blotches and/or streaks which are divided diagonally into two areas. Shell may be covered or partially covered by the periostracum which is dark green to yellow-brown. Inside of shell white with purple tints.

Habitat: Sand and gravel, from lower shore to shallow sublittoral.

Distribution: Found all around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Could be confused with other Ensis species.

Key Identification Features:

  • One side straight or almost straight, one side curved.
  • Up to 15 cm long.

Distribution Map from NBN: Ensis magnus at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Ensis magnus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Ensis magnus at World Register of Marine Species.

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 Picton, B.E., Keatley, L. & Morrow, C.C. (2026). Ensis magnus. Schumacher, 1817. [In] Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland.
https://habitas.org/mbdp/species.php?item=W20230. Accessed on 2026-11-01