Facebook-f Instagram Youtube Tripadvisor Tiktok
Search
Close this search box.

Butter Clam

Saxidomus gigantea

Butter Clam

Saxidomus gigantea
Other Common Names
Smooth Washington clam, money shell
At the Aquarium
Sandy Coast
Other Common Names
Smooth Washington clam, money shell

At the Aquarium

Sandy Coast

Appearance

The shells of a butter clam might be white but are often stained by iron sulfide. The shells are slightly longer than they are high and have well-developed concentric ridges. The siphons are fused, have black tips, and extend 1.6 inches. There is also a black hinge ligament on the outside of the shell edge.

Habitat

Usually inhabit sand and gravel, usually at depths of 6 to 14 inches in the sediment.

Diet

Filter-feed on plankton

Life History

In Oregon, butter clams spawn between April and July. The planktonic larval stage lasts between 28-36 days before undergoing metamorphosis and settling to the substrate. These clams can reach 5 inches and live for over 20 years.

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Native Americans used the shells of butter clams as money.
Butter clams have been commercially harvested for use in clam chowder.
Predators of the butter include sunflower stars, false ochre stars, moon snails, Dungeness crabs, and sea otters. Pacific staghorn sculpins will eat the siphon tips.
Range
Alaska to California
On the Oregon Coast
You can encounter butter clams when clamming (permit required) in Oregon bays during low tide. Be aware that these clams are especially vulnerable to paralytic shellfish poisoning so be sure to check the ODFW website before harvesting.
Fun Facts
At least three different species of pea crabs will live in the butter clam’s mantle.

Citations & Other Resources

Back to All Animals

Contact Us

Facebook-f Instagram Twitter Youtube Tiktok Tripadvisor

Subscribe to E-Newsletter

Subscribe Now

About Oregon Coast Aquarium

Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Media Policy

Copyright © 2022 Oregon Coast Aquarium. All rights reserved.

Need to update your cookie permissions?

×
Cookies
We use cookies to improve your experience and see how our guests are navigating the website. If this is alright by you, hit 'Accept All', or 'Settings' to customize and learn more. Read our cookie policy
Settings Accept All
Cookies
Choose what kind of cookies to accept. Your choice will be saved for one year. Read our cookie policy
Save Accept All