Ensis
Ensis
Ensis (pronounced /ˈɛnsɪs/), also known as the Jackknife Clam or Razor Clam, is a genus of medium to large-sized edible marine bivalve molluscs in the family Ensis.
Etymology
The term Ensis is derived from the Latin word for "sword", referring to the long, straight shape of the clam's shell.
Description
Ensis species have elongated, narrow, razor-like shells, which can be up to 15 cm long. They are found in sandy, coastal habitats worldwide, from the intertidal zone to depths of several hundred meters. The shells are closed at the "hilt" and open at the "blade", with a powerful internal muscle that can rapidly close the shell if the animal is threatened.
Species
There are several species in the genus Ensis, including:
- Ensis directus (Atlantic jackknife clam)
- Ensis ensis (European razor clam)
- Ensis siliqua (Pod razor)
Related Terms
- Bivalve: A type of mollusc with a hinged, two-part shell.
- Mollusc: A large phylum of invertebrate animals, many of which live in the sea.
- Intertidal zone: The area of the shoreline that is exposed to air at low tide and submerged at high tide.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ensis
- Wikipedia's article - Ensis
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