Physical 

Hard clams, known as Quahogs are bivalves. Adults average 10 cm wide, and can be various shades of gray. The interior of the shell is smooth and various shades of purple.

Image by NOAA Photo Library on Flickr

 

Habitat

M. mercenaria can survive a wide variety of conditions. The species is tolerant of salinities as low as 15 parts per thousand. They range from exposed tidal flats to depths of 60 ft.

 

Feeding 

Hard clams are filter-feeders. They circulate water through their bodies by means of a siphon system, and filter out edible organic materials.