Siliquidae

Siliquidae is a family of marine bivalve molluscs, commonly known as razor clams or razor shells. These molluscs are characterized by their elongated, slender, and equivalve shells, which are often described as resembling a razor. The shells are typically smooth and exhibit a distinctive, somewhat gaping anterior and posterior end. Their color can vary, often presenting as shades of white, brown, or purple, and they may display subtle radial or concentric markings.

Siliquidae are found worldwide in marine environments, inhabiting sandy or muddy substrates in intertidal and subtidal zones. They are infaunal, meaning they live buried within the sediment. Their burrowing ability is quite pronounced, allowing them to rapidly escape predators and strong currents by digging deeper into the substrate. They possess a muscular foot used for locomotion and burrowing, and a strong siphon that extends to the sediment surface for filter feeding and respiration.

The diet of Siliquidae consists primarily of plankton and organic detritus filtered from the water column. They are a food source for various marine predators, including shorebirds, fish, and other invertebrates. While not as commercially important as some other bivalve families, some species of razor clams are harvested for food in certain regions. Their presence in an ecosystem can be an indicator of sediment health.