Atlantic Razor Clam
Ensis leei · Also known as: jackknife clam, razor clam, Ensis directus
Long, straight “jackknife” shells of Mid-Atlantic sands. Fast diggers that leave rectangular siphon shows on flats.
Quick facts
| Group | Bivalve |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★★☆☆ |
| Habitats | Ocean beach, Coastal bays, Inlet, Assateague State Park, Assateague National Seashore |
| Seasons (this coast) | year-round |
How to recognize them
- Elongated, nearly parallel-sided shells that look like an old straight razor.
- Olive-brown periostracum when fresh; brittle white valves when worn.
Biology notes
- Extremely fast burrowers; filter-feeders of sandy intertidal and shallow subtidal flats.
- Taxonomy updated—many guides still list older name Ensis directus.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Bay and inlet sand flats at extreme low tides; Assateague and mainland coastal bay edges.
- Empty shells common on ocean beaches after storms.
When to look
- Best live viewing on spring low tides; shells year-round.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- If you see a show, dig quickly—razors vanish deep in seconds.
