Ocean Quahog [Arctica islandica]
Description
The Ocean Quahog, also known as the Icelandic Cyprine or Black Quahog, is a species of edible clam. It is a marine bivalve mollusk in the family Arcticidae. This species is native to the North Atlantic Ocean, and it is harvested commercially as a food source. The Ocean Quahog can live to be exceptionally old, with the oldest recorded specimen being 507 years old. The species typically resides in oceanic waters that are colder than 3 degrees Celsius. It is a suspension feeder and has a robust and rounded dark shell.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Clams, Oysters, and Scallops
Bivalvia
|
| Order |
Clams
Veneroida
|
| Family |
Arctic Clams
Arcticidae
|
| Genus |
Arctica
Arctica
|