The surf clam, also known as the Atlantic clam, is harvested year-round off the coast of the eastern United States. They are fast-growing, can live up to 35 years, and are consumed by humans and animals. Clams are high in protein, low in calories and fat, and contain selenium and niacin. They are sold canned, frozen, and fresh and used in various dishes.
The surf clam, Spisula solidassima, is native to oceans off the coast of the eastern United States, ranging from Maine to North Carolina. Also called Atlantic clam, skimmer, cockle. and bar clam, this clam is harvested year-round. Clams are the largest clams that grow on the Atlantic coast. Clams are known for their delicate and sweet taste.
The surf clam is fast growing, maturing in 5-7 years. More oval or triangular than the round ones, clams grow to between 10 and 20.3 cm in length. Shellfish may grow more slowly in warmer waters. These clams can live for around 35 years.
Clam beds can reach depths of about 50 meters under water. Adult surf clams prefer to burrow in the sand and rarely move unless sea waters displace them during storms or strong currents. A clam surging above the sand will try to bury itself ASAP.
Clams feed on plankton. In return, the clams are consumed not only by humans, but by horseshoe crabs, starfish and moon slugs. Also, seagulls will take a surf clam and drop it onto concrete or other hard surfaces so that the shell of the clam cracks. The bird is then able to feast on the meat of the clam. Raccoons and foxes love clams that bathe ashore.
Skimmers can reach sexual maturity during their first year, but most will not spawn until their second year. The clams spread twice a year, from mid-October to early November and from mid-July to early August. Clams deposit their eggs and sperm in the water. After about three weeks spent as floating larvae, the clams sink to the sandy bottoms to begin their life on the ocean floor.
A clam is high in protein and relatively low in calories and fat. A 3.5-ounce (100 g) serving of clams has 67 calories. This clam is 13.5 percent protein and 0.5 percent fat. Additionally, the serving contains 0.2 percent Omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to help protect the heart. Clams also contain selenium and niacin. Selenium is believed to help prevent cancer while niacin can help control cholesterol levels in the body.
The clams are sold canned, frozen and fresh. Fresh clams are used as bait. People consume clam in the form of fried clam strips, soups, and clam juices.
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