Ensis

Ensis is a genus of medium-sized to large bivalve mollusks, commonly known as razor clams or razor shells. They are marine bivalve mollusks in the family Pharidae.

Description[edit | edit source]

The shells of species within this genus are elongate, narrow, and parallel-sided. This shape resembles a straight razor, a pocket knife, or an old-fashioned straight razor, hence the common names. The shells are closed and sealed at the ends when the animal is alive.

Distribution and habitat[edit | edit source]

Species within the genus Ensis are found in the North Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. They live buried in the sand and are capable of digging very rapidly.

Species[edit | edit source]

The World Register of Marine Species lists the following species:

Ensis arcuatus (Jeffreys, 1865)
Ensis directus (Conrad, 1843)
Ensis ensis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Ensis leei (Middendorff, 1849)
Ensis magnus (Schumacher, 1817)
Ensis minor (Chenu, 1843)
Ensis siliqua (Linnaeus, 1758)
Ensis terranovensis (Bernard, 1983)

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

World Register of Marine Species: Ensis

Ensis Resources
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