How to Identify a Razor Clam

Razor clams are common, bivalve mollusks harvested for food and other commercial purposes. One common variety, called the Pacific razor clam is found in abundance along the Western coast of the United States. Learn to identify this common type of razor clam so you can eat and enjoy them.

Instructions

    • 1

      Notice the shape and the size of the shell. Pacific razor clams have long, narrow shells. The clam appears heavy and can grow 7 inches long or more.

    • 2

      Pay attention to the color. Pacific razor clam shells range in color. In younger clams, the shell is typically yellow-brown. In older clams, the shell is entirely brown.

    • 3

      Find the siphon. The siphon or neck of a Pacific razor clam is not tightly fused. There is typically a tiny separation at the siphon and there are no tubercles or knobby growths, unlike many other clam species.

    • 4

      Check the inside of the shell. The interior of a Pacific razor clam shell is shiny and white. There are occasionally purple areas within the shell. There is also a noticeable rib that extends across the shell.

    • 5

      Dig up Pacific razor clams when you find their "clam shows." These include a "dimple" or slight depression in the beach sand, a "doughnut" or tiny depression in the sand that has raised sides, or a "keyhole" or hour-glass shaped hole located in very dry beach sand.