ENSIS MACHA

Ensis macha is commonly known as the Pacific Razor Clam and it belongs to the Pharidae family. Reaching a maximum length of 20 cm, it is highly appreciated for the firm texture and the distinctive, delicious flavor of its meat, typical of razor clams.

Morphological characteristics of Ensis Macha

The shell is equivalve, inequilateral and slightly sickle-shaped. It is elongated and open at both ends, with convex valves.

These valves are hinged and have two cardinal teeth on the left valve and one on the right. There are no transverse grooves on the anterior margin.

Regarding the margins:

• the dorsal and ventral margins are long, parallel, sharply arched;
• the anterior margin is rounded and convex;
• the posterior margin is slightly truncated.

The external coloration ranges from yellow-brown to dark greenish-brown, with the valves covered by a thin, glossy periostracum. The inner coloration is whitish.

Distribution of Ensis macha

As suggested by its common name, the “Pacific Razor Clam” is found in the waters of the Eastern Pacific, from Antofagasta (Northern Chile) to the Strait of Magellan and in the Southwestern Atlantic along the coasts of Argentine Patagonia.