Razor clam

Solen Marginatus, or razor clam, is very diffused in our cuisine. It is the most common species and it belongs to the Solenidae family. In Italy is commonly called “tabacchino”, and it’s often confused with a similar species, Ensis Minor, which we’ll compare in detail later in this article.

Morphological features of the Razor Clam

Razor clam shell is equivalve but inequilateral, with a straight, highly elongated (almost cylindrical) shape. It is open at both ends, with convex valves. Let’s look at the margins in detail:

• The dorsal and ventral edges are long, straight, and parallel, with sharp sides;
• The anterior and posterior ends are truncated and rounded;
• The anterior end is slightly oblique and features a distinct transverse groove.

On the outer surface, there are longitudinal growth striations that intersect with a diagonal line stretching from the umbo to the opposite corner, creating a right angle (the umbo is located along the dorsal edge). Each valve has a hinge equipped with a single cardinal tooth.

As for the anterior adductor muscle, its impression does not extend beyond the posterior end of the ligament.

To visualize the unique shape of this razor clam, think of a knife handle: elongated and cylindrical.

Razor clams can grow to significant sizes, reaching up to 14 cm in length.

External and internal coloration

The external shell varies from whitish-yellow to brownish, with distinct transverse lines in both light and dark shades. These markings break off in a triangular, oblique zone that extends across the body. You’ll also notice perpendicular cross-lines that intersect with the longitudinal striations, creating a unique and textured visual effect.

Distribution and habitat of razor clams

The most common diffusion of razor clam, also known as Solen Marginatus, is in the Mediterranean.

How are razor clams harvested? As with Ensis Minor, underwater harvesting is one of the most recommended techniques if you want to harvest razor clams. The most commonly used method involves brine extraction.

The process is simple and effective: divers enter the water with a plastic bottle filled with sea salt. When the salt comes into contact with seawater, it creates a highly saturated saline solution. How is brine used instead? It is expelled through the hole made in the cap and poured into the burrows (which indicate the presence of the animal).

By drastically altering the salinity of the area, the animal emerges from the sediment and is collected. As for professional fishing, in most cases a hydraulic dredge is used.

It can also be collected thanks to a simple metal rod: which is why the razor clam is sometimes called “Capa da Fero” or “Tabachino” by locals.

Ensis Minor vs Solen Marginatus: a comparison between the two

They belong to different families: Pharidae family and Solenidae family. They are often confused with one another.

The differences between the two are:

1. Solen Marginatus has only one groove along the anterior edge of the valves;
2. In the hinge structure, Ensis Minor has two cardinal teeth and one lateral tooth, while Solen Marginatus has only one cardinal and one lateral tooth.
3. If the teeth are missing, the shell shape helps with identification:
   Ensis Minor has both edges slanting in opposite directions, while Marginatus has one oblique edge and one perpendicular to the shell’s axis.
4. Ensis Minor prefers fine sandy seabeds typically found along coastal areas. Solen Marginatus, on the other hand, thrives in siltier, clay-rich sediments and is often found in lagoon environments;
5. From an organoleptic standpoint, Ensis Minor is generally preferred due to the firmer texture and superior flavor of its flesh.