alainaflute
Greg
Jody
E.G.D.The Finely Sculpted White Venus
Posted by Jody on May 31, 2012
Pacific White Venus
The Pacific White Venus (Amiantis callosa), also simply known as the White Venus, is one handsome seashell. This snow-white, nicely rounded shell can be found from Southern California to southern Baja California, Mexico. Very thick-shelled and quite heavy, it has graceful, well defined concentric ribs. These strong ribs are somewhat flattened, and a few of them divide near the the sides of the shell. They do occasionally branch near the center, too.
A closer look for dividing ribs.
The Pacific White Venus is also known as the Sea Cockle in California. Look for this lovely beach treasure on the sandy shores from just north of Los Angeles, south to Mexico. This rather large bivalve lives burrowed in the sand in shallow water from the low tide line to depths of 25 feet. A filter feeder, the White Venus will range from 2 ½ to 4 ½ inches long.
Greg and I were pretty excited when we found this wonderful example of an empty, whole (3 ¾”) White Venus on the sands of Silver Strand State Beach, along the coast near San Diego, California.
Pacific White Venus
A member of the very large Venus Clam family (Veneridae), the entire group is named for the beautiful Roman goddess, Venus, who was born of sea foam. It really is no wonder that such a fitting name, “White Venus,” was chosen for such an elegantly sculpted shell.
Have a great day at the beach! ~Let us know what you find!
~~~
alainaflute said
Yes, these stunning photos were taken by my mom. 😉
kentiki said
The symmetry in the last one is stunning!
Jody said
Thank you so much! It’s one of my most special beach treasures. The patterns are quite fun from any angle.