Grooved carpet shell
| Grooved carpet shell | |
|---|---|
| Pleistocene fossil shell from the North Sea | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Bivalvia |
| Order: | Venerida |
| Family: | Veneridae |
| Genus: | Ruditapes |
| Species: | R. decussatus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Ruditapes decussatus | |
| Synonyms | |
The grooved carpet shell, or Palourde clam, Ruditapes decussatus, or Venerupis decussatus, is a clam (bivalve mollusc) in the family Veneridae. It is distributed worldwide and is highly prized due to its ecological and economic interest. It has been proposed as a bioindicator.
This species is one of the most popular and profitable mollusks of lagoonal and coastal sites in the Mediterranean and adjoining Atlantic coast where it has been collected for generations for culinary use. It is consumed fresh and canned. Several dishes like Spaghetti alle vongole and the Portuguese Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato, make use of it.