clams

Clams are bivalve mollusks with two hinged shells that protect their soft bodies. They live buried in sand or mud in coastal waters. Clams filter feed by drawing in seawater through their siphons, trapping tiny plankton and nutrients. They are important ecologically, helping keep sediments healthy and serving as food for many predators. Many species are harvested for food worldwide, valued for their tender meat. Clams also play a role in maintaining healthy marine environments by filtering water and recycling nutrients, making them an integral part of coastal ecosystems.