The Common Egg Cockle, Laevicardium serratum (Linnaeus, 1758), belongs to the Cockle family Cardiidae, a group of bivalves represented locally by at least nine species, including the Florida Prickly Cockle and the Atlantic Giant Cockle. Egg Cockles are so called because of their smooth, egg shell-like shells. Fully grown Common Egg Cockles typically measure a little less than two inches, and the scientific name of the species alludes to the finely serrated internal surface of the shell edges. Another very similar local species, currently under study, will be presented in one of the upcoming "Shell of the Week" columns.
The Common Egg Cockle, Laevicardium serratum (Linnaeus, 1758). Photos by José H. Leal.