Species profile
Pacific Littleneck Clam
Leukoma staminea
At a glance
Pacific Littleneck Clam (Leukoma staminea) is a bivalve mollusk present across the CatchRules coverage area but without species-specific bag, size, or season rules tracked in our regulatory dataset.
Confirmed by 2,391 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with California, British Columbia, and Washington the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Burrows 2–4 inches deep in gravel and sandy-gravel beaches to filter-feed.
- Shell diameter reaches about 3 inches (7.5 cm) at full size.
- Can live 14 years or more, with annual growth rings visible on its ridged shell.
- Highly prized for eating and harvested recreationally and commercially from Alaska to Baja California.
- Its ridged, oval shell helps anchor it in shifting gravel against wave action.
Where Pacific Littleneck Clam are seen
Background
Leukoma staminea, common name the Pacific littleneck clam, is a species of bivalve mollusc in the family Veneridae. This species of mollusc was exploited by early humans in North America; for example, the Chumash peoples of Central California harvested these clams in Morro Bay approximately 1,000 years ago.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Pacific Littleneck Clam article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other clams/oysters/mussels on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.