Southwest Florida Shells

by José H. Leal

Family Mactridae

Mulinia lateralis

(Say, 1822)

Dwarf Surf Clam

Shell size to 18 mm; shell small, triangular, inflated. Umbones on center of valve. Shell surface smooth, except for radial ridge on posterior region. Hinge with small chondrophore. Color white to yellowish-white. May resemble juvenile surf clam, Spisula raveneli.