Razor clam

General

Shellfish

The term shellfish covers several species of bivalve molluscs, sea snails and other shelled animals. Examples include scallops, mussels, razor clams, oysters, cockles and whelks. Shellfish live partly in or on the seabed and occur worldwide. They filter the water and extract the nutrients they need. Eggs and reproductive cells are released into the water and fertilisation takes place externally. Most species are hermaphroditic and can produce both eggs and sperm during their lives. Shellfish occur in many different shapes and sizes. This diversity is still the subject of scientific discussion.

Razor clam

The Ensis genus houses many bivalve species and is also referred to as razor clam or sword razor. Species of the Ensis genus can be found along the entire European coastline. The American jackknife clam is the most common razor clam species which can be found along the Dutch coast. This species is originally found near western Atlantic coastlines but has been introduced in the North Sea via ballast water. Razor clams are bivalves with an oblong, rectangular shell and often live buried in the sand at depths of up to 50 centimetres. Razor clam species usually occur aggregated in large numbers. They also have very well–developed swimming skills; they swim by pushing water out of their shell.