Coquina Clam
Donax variabilis · Also known as: bean clam, wedge clam
Tiny colorful clams of the swash zone, a kids’ favorite beach find on Ocean City and Assateague.
Quick facts
| Group | Bivalve |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★★★★ |
| Habitats | Ocean beach, Assateague State Park, Assateague National Seashore |
| Seasons (this coast) | spring, summer, fall |
How to recognize them
- Small (to ~1 inch), wedge-shaped shells in pink, purple, yellow, or white rays.
- Live coquinas ride the wash line, burrowing in seconds as waves retreat.
Biology notes
- Filter-feeders that migrate up and down the beach with the tide.
- Important food for shorebirds and surf-zone fish.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Ocean City and Assateague ocean beaches in the active swash—look for rainbow shell beds after storms.
- Sanderlings and other shorebirds feeding along the same line.
When to look
- Warm months most obvious; empty shells year-round in wrack.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- Watch a wave cycle—live coquinas vanish into sand almost instantly.
- Collect only empty shells; leave live clams for the beach food web.
