Phylum: Mollusca

Class: Bivalvia

Order: Veneroida

Family: Cardiidae

Scientific name: Cerastoderma edule

 

Norwegian: hjertemusling

(Slettvik - Sør-Trøndelag / 0 meters / 5.15.2004)

Distribution: The common cockle is found buried or partially in mud and sand in estuaries and on expansive beaches (left picture). It is common along the entire Norwegian coast.

Characteristics:  The two identical shell valves make a heart shaped appearance. The outer outer surface is scored with radiating ridges. The color is pale brown, beige or off-white. It may grow to a diameter of 5 cm.

The common cockle is highly edible and the access is good, but for some reason it is not very common in Norwegian cuisine.

All pictures: