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

Ensis siliqua (Linnaeus, 1758)

Pod razor shell


Ensis siliqua image: 2025-04-30_enssil
Ensis siliqua

Description: This razor clam is up to 13 cm long with straight sides. 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-green. Inside of shell white with purple tints.

Habitat: Fine sand from low intertidal to around 40 m.

Distribution: Found all around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Could be confused with other Ensis species.

Key Identification Features:

  • Both sides of shell are straight.
  • 13 cm long or less.

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

iNaturalist: Ensis siliqua at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Ensis siliqua at World Register of Marine Species.

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 Picton, B.E., Keatley, L. & Morrow, C.C. (2026). Ensis siliqua. (Linnaeus, 1758). [In] Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland.
https://habitas.org/mbdp/species.php?item=W20270. Accessed on 2026-11-01