Mactra solida

Mactra solida, commonly known as the short-lived surf clam, is a small to medium-sized marine bivalve mollusk found along sandy and muddy coastal areas. It has a rounded, symmetrical shell that is typically smooth and pale-colored. These clams are filter feeders, meaning they draw in water to trap plankton and tiny particles for nourishment. They play an important role in their ecosystem by helping to filter water and cycle nutrients. Some Mactra solida are harvested commercially for food, appreciated for their tender meat. They thrive in shallow subtidal zones and are an integral part of coastal marine environments.