Cardium
Cardium is a genus of marine bivalve mollusks in the family Cardiidae, commonly known as cockles. The name derives from the heart-shaped outline of many shells. In modern taxonomy Cardium remains a recognized genus within Cardiidae, though numerous species formerly placed in Cardium have been reassigned to other genera such as Cerastoderma and Acanthocardia.
Members of Cardium typically have rounded, heart-like shells with a prominent umbo and strong, radiating ribs.
Distribution and habitat: Cardium species occur in temperate coastal waters of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts
Ecology and reproduction: Cardium members are filter feeders that consume phytoplankton, detritus, and other suspended particles.
Fossil record and human use: The genus has a long fossil record, with members appearing in the