Trough-Shells and Otter Shells

Families Mactridae and Lutrariidae

Mactra corallina (Linnaeus), the RAYED TROUGH-SHELL, is usually creamy in colour, with purplish tints and brown rays. It is of good quality and ranges from Norway down to the Mediterranean. It is called almeijóla in Portugal; and blanchet, fije, fausse palourde or fausse praire in France, the last two names implying an intent to deceive, of which the creature must surely be acquitted.