Spiny File Clam

Overview

The Spiny File Clam (Lima lima) is a bivalve mollusk recognized by its distinct, robust shell adorned with prominent radial ribs and small, sharp scales. These clams are typically found in warm marine environments, where they live in sheltered crevices or attached to hard substrates like rocks and coral reefs.

Distribution & habitat

This species has a wide distribution across tropical and temperate waters, including the Mediterranean Sea, the Eastern Atlantic, and Caribbean regions ranging from Florida to the West Indies and Bermuda. They are commonly found in shallow waters, often inhabiting rocky bottoms or seagrass beds, where they anchor themselves using a byssus.

Appearance

Adults typically reach lengths between 30 and 79 mm. The shell is characterized by 18 to 24 strong, radiating ribs covered in small, scale-like projections. When the clam is active, it may extend long, pale, and sticky tentacles from its shell; these tentacles are fragile and can break off if the animal is disturbed.

Biology & behavior

Lima lima is a filter feeder, extracting nutrients from the water column. While they are generally sessile as adults, they are capable of limited movement by "clapping" their valves together to propel themselves through the water if threatened or displaced. They are often found tucked away in protected microhabitats such as the undersides of stones or within coral structures.