KM COLLECTION
Quality Shells of the Acanthocardia Genus
Acanthocardia echinata
This species is still one of the most debated cardiid species, because of its unclear relationships with mucronata and deshayesi. It has 18-22 strong radial ribs, wildely spaced, more than in tuberculata; this is clearely visible already in the umbo area; each ribs is carrying a row of narrow spines, with a concentric rugose sculpture most prominent in interspaces. The shell presents spoon-shaped spines. it lives on sand, mud and gravel bottoms.
Acanthocardia mucronata
This is considered by some scientists a sub species of echinata and by others a different species. It has a less globose shell than deshayesi, but more thicker. It presents 18-20 strong radial ribs wildely spaced, each rib is carryng a row of spines; these spines are wider than echinata and shovel-shaped. Usually lives between 15 and 120 meters deep on sand, mud and gravel bottoms.
Acanthocardia deshayesi
This is considered by some scientists a sub species of echinata and by others a different species. It has more radial ribs than echinata and mucronata, not so widely spaced compared to echinata and mucronata. It has a more globose and les thicker shell.
it presents higher dorso-ventrally, with a larger umbo. Spines are wider and shovel-shaped.
its size range it's not exceeding 40 mm. It's present in the Mediterrean sea only.