Cyclocardia occidentalis (Conrad, 1855)

western carditid

Description: Oval to triangular in shape, and somewhat inflated. Sculpture of about 20 low, brown radial ribs, which are overlain by commarginal ribs to form a nodose sculpture. The hinge plate is wide, with relatively heavy teeth.

Size: 20-30 mm.

Ecology: Shallow infaunal suspension-feeder, found in inner to outer shelf depths (15-200 m).

Geological range: Extinct – Pliocene-middle Pleistocene (5-0.1 million years ago).

Geographic distribution: Southern California. Reported from the Lomita Marl (Pleistocene, California).

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