Anadara pilula (28.73 mm)

Description

The Anadara pilula shell is a beautifully sculpted marine bivalve with a heart-shaped form and clear radial ribs. It measures approximately 28.73 mm and displays a natural blend of creamy white and soft brown hues, making it suitable for jewelry, crafts, home décor, and educational collections.

These shells are responsibly collected from coastal seabeds and naturally occur in sandy and muddy habitats. Their elegant ribbed texture and strong structure make them popular for creative and decorative uses.

Species: Anadara pilula (Reeve, 1843
Family: Arcidae (Ark clams)
Common Name: Pill Ark / Little Ball Ark
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anadara

Anadara pilula is a marine bivalve mollusk that belongs to the ark clam family. Although this species has limited coverage on Wikipedia, scientists clearly recognize it within the Anadara genus. Its classification and natural distribution appear consistently in marine biodiversity records.

Anadara pilula Shell Features & Appearance

This specimen has a compact size of approximately 28.73 mm, which makes it small yet distinctive. The shell shows a slightly inflated and rounded shape. Balanced growth gives it an almost circular look. The surface contains around 23–25 radial ribs with wide spaces between them. In some specimens, the ribs show fine bumps or subtle details. In addition, the broad ligament area and hinge plate with small teeth highlight typical ark clam features.
Collectors and designers value this shell for its ribbed texture and compact size.

Habitat & Distribution of Anadara pilula Shell

The Anadara pilula shell occurs mainly in tropical Indo-Pacific waters. You can find it near Indonesia, Thailand, China, Malaysia, Australia, and parts of India, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These clams live on the sea floor in sandy or muddy areas. They often stay partly buried while feeding on plankton and organic matter. As a result, they help maintain healthy coastal ecosystems.

Ecological & Research Importance

Researchers study this species less than commercial ark clams like Tegillarca granosa. However, it still plays an important ecological role. Scientists use it to understand shell growth and shape. In some coastal regions, local communities also use it as a small food source. Moreover, its shells support biodiversity and scientific education.

Collector & Product Appeal

• Size: Approximately 28.73 mm

• Form: Rounded, ribbed, and naturally patterned

• Uses: Jewelry, crafts, marine art, décor, educational collections

Each Anadara pilula shell reflects the natural beauty of marine life. It combines visual appeal with educational value, making it a meaningful addition to any collection or creative project.