Cockle (bivalve)

Cockle (bivalve)

The Cockle is a type of small, edible, saltwater clam, a marine bivalve mollusc. Although many small edible bivalves are loosely called cockles, true cockles are species in the family Cardiidae. Various species of cockles live in sandy, sheltered beaches throughout the world.

Anatomy

The distinctive rounded shells of cockles are bilaterally symmetrical, and are heart-shaped when viewed from the end. Numerous radial, evenly spaced ribs are a feature of the shell in most but not all Cardiidae species. The shell of a cockle is able to close completely, which allows the organism to protect itself from predators and environmental hazards.

Habitat and Distribution

Cockles typically burrow in sandy or muddy beaches, and they feed by filtering plankton from the surrounding water. They are found in coastal areas throughout the world, with the highest diversity of species found in the tropical Western Pacific.

Human Use

Cockles are a popular type of edible shellfish in both Eastern and Western cooking. They are harvested by humans for food across the world. In some cultures, they are also used in folk medicine and as a source of bait for fishing.

Conservation Status

While many species of cockles are not currently threatened, their populations can be affected by overharvesting, pollution, and changes in their habitat due to climate change. Conservation efforts are in place in many areas to protect and sustain cockle populations.

See Also

• Clam
• Mollusc
• Edible shellfish

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  A collection of cockles on a beach.

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  Close-up of a cockle shell.

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  Cockle picking at Morecambe Bay.