BIOTIC Species Information for Acanthocardia echinata
Researched byLizzie Tyler Data supplied byUniversity of Sheffield
Refereed byThis information is not refereed.
Taxonomy
Scientific nameAcanthocardia echinata Common namePrickly cockle
MCS CodeW1943 Recent Synonyms

PhylumMollusca Subphylum
Superclass ClassPelecypoda
Subclass OrderVeneroida
Suborder FamilyCardiidae
GenusAcanthocardia Speciesechinata
Subspecies   

Additional Information
Taxonomy References Schneider, 1992, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Howson & Picton, 1997,
General Biology
Growth formBivalved
Feeding methodPassive suspension feeder
Active suspension feeder
Mobility/MovementBurrower
Environmental positionInfaunal
Typical food typesPhytoplankton and suspended organic material HabitFree living
BioturbatorNot relevant FlexibilityNone (< 10 degrees)
FragilityRobust SizeSmall-medium(3-10cm)
HeightNot researched Growth RateNot Researched
Adult dispersal potentialNot researched DependencyIndependent
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional Information
Biology References Kioerboe & Moehlenberg, 1981, Tebble, 1966, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Fish & Fish, 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1990, Julie Bremner, unpub data,
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandFound on all British and Irish coasts.
Global distributionFound in north-west Europe from Norway to the Shetlands and south to the Canary Isles and in the Meditteranean.
Biogeographic rangeTemperate to warm temperate. Depth range
MigratoryNon-migratory / Resident   
Distribution Additional Information

Substratum preferencesMuddy gravel
Mud
Muddy sandy gravel
Muddy gravelly sand
Physiographic preferencesOpen coast
Offshore seabed
Strait / sound
Estuary
Enclosed coast / Embayment
Biological zoneUpper Infralittoral
Lower Infralittoral
Upper Circalittoral
Lower Circalittoral
Circalittoral Offshore
Wave exposureField unresearched
Tidal stream strength/Water flowField unresearched
SalinityFull (30-40 psu)
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References Tebble, 1966, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Hayward & Ryland, 1990, Julie Bremner, unpub data,
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeGonochoristic
Developmental mechanismPlanktotrophic
Reproductive SeasonNot researched Reproductive LocationWater column
Reproductive frequencyAnnual episodic Regeneration potential No
Life span11-20 years Age at reproductive maturity
Generation timeNot researched Fecundity
Egg/propagule size Fertilization typeExternal
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialNot researched Larval settlement periodNot researched
Duration of larval stage   
Reproduction Preferences Additional Information
Reproduction References Tebble, 1966, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Fish & Fish, 1996, Julie Bremner, unpub data,
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