Pholas campechiensis, (Gmelin, 1791) - Wing Shell, Campeche Angel Wing

This resembles the Angel Wing but is slightly more pointed anteriorly and much longer and more pointed posteriorly. Up to 12 cm in length. Small specimens tend to be pure white but larger ones vary from white to slate grey. Valves bear 20-40 beaded ribs, smaller specimens having less. At the anterior end these ribs are distinct and the beads sharp and abrasive, but at the posterior end they are indistinct and the beads smooth. There are also concentric growth rings which become very distinct posteriorly. The apophysis is stout and the umbonal reflection is large and septated thus resembling a viaduct. Interior of shell lightly furrowed due to the external ribs. Margins fairly smooth except anteriorly. Pallial sinus does not quite reach the midline. They live in colonies in vertical burrows and in sand close to the shore.