Anadara

Anadara is a genus of saltwater clams, marine bivalve mollusks belonging to the family Arcidae. These clams are characterized by their roughly oval, equivalve shells that are typically equivalve, meaning both valves are of equal size and shape. The shells are often inequilateral, with the beaks situated more anteriorly. A prominent feature of Anadara is the prominent radial ribbing on the external surface of the shell. The interior of the shell is usually smooth, and the hinge line is straight and bears numerous small, interlocking teeth.

Species within the Anadara genus are found in marine environments worldwide, inhabiting sandy or muddy substrates in shallow to moderately deep waters. They are filter feeders, drawing water into their shells to extract plankton and other organic particles. Several Anadara species are of economic importance as food sources in various coastal communities. For example, Anadara granosa, commonly known as the blood clam or ark clam, is widely cultivated and consumed in parts of Asia, particularly in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. The harvesting and consumption of Anadara clams are integral to local economies and culinary traditions in these regions. Their ecological role includes contributing to sediment turnover and serving as a food source for various predators.