User:Pitandpendulum/Atlantic surf clam

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The Atlantic surf clam (Spisula solidissima), also called the bar clam, hen clam, skimmer or simply sea clam, is a very large, edible, saltwater clam or marine bivalve mollusk in the family Mactridae. It is commonly found in the western Atlantic Ocean, and is one of the most common species of bivalves found in the Northeast. Reaching up to 20 centimetres (7.9 in) or more in length, it is Atlantic surf clams are much larger than Spisula solida, which also resides in the eastern Atlantic coastal waters.

Human use
The "tongue" or foot of the clam is commercially valuable because it is cut into long strips which are breaded and fried and served as clam strips, first popularized by the Howard Johnson's franchise.

Reproduction
Atlantic surf clams reproduce primarily in late summer (August-October), when the water temperatures are around their highest. External fertilization is the process by which reproduction occurs. The sex cells are released via the passage of water through the clam, the same path taken for respiration and digestion. There are five described stages of development of the sexual organs of both male and female surf clams: early active phase, late active phase, ripe, partially spawned, and spent, with ripe phase being the main phase during which clams reproduce.

Life habits
Surf clams can take as little as three months to reach maturity off the New Jersey coast, or as long as four years off Nova Scotia, and can reach an age of 35 years. The shells of surf clams show growth rings and can demonstrate changes in the environment of the individual. The shells are formed by calcification, as the clam deposits calcium carbonate into the shell via either diet or metabolism. Pausing of growth due to internal or external factors appear marked by dark lines of growth on the shell. Younger clams have a faster growth rate than older clams. They can reach sizes of up to 8.9 inches, though sizes larger than 7.9 inches are rare.

These clams use their siphons to pull in and then filter fine particles of organic matter and plankton from the surrounding seawater. Like almost all clams, they are filter feeders.

Predators of the Atlantic surf clam include snails, fish (such as cod), crabs, and sea stars.