The Rose Corbula, Caryocorbula dietziana (C.B. Adams, 1852), is a small (about 8 mm, or 0.3-inch) locally found species belonging to a group of bivalves infamous for the difficult and confusing taxonomy, the family Corbulidae, also known as Basket Clams. Its shell has the posterior ridge typical of members of the family. Like in all other species of Corbulidae, the right valve is larger than the left one. The Rose Corbula may be rose, whitish, or cream-colored, sometimes showing flecks of gray or light-brown. The inner surfaces of the valves may be tinged brown near the margins.
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The Rose Corbula, Corbula dietziana, from Sanibel. Photos by José H. Leal.