blunt tellin
Arcopagia crassa
The blunt tellin (Arcopagia crassa) is a medium-sized marine bivalve mollusk characterized by its thick, robust shell with a distinctly rounded posterior end that gives it its common name. This filter-feeding clam plays an important ecological role in marine sediment ecosystems by processing organic matter and serving as prey for various bottom-dwelling fish, crabs, and shorebirds.
27
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Tig, všetky práva vyhradené, uploaded by Tig
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Mollusca
Class
Bivalvia
Order
Cardiida
Family
Tellinidae
Genus
Arcopagia
blunt tellin belongs to the family Tellinidae, order Cardiida, within the Bivalvia class.
Species Profile
The blunt tellin (Arcopagia crassa) is a medium-sized marine bivalve mollusk characterized by its thick, robust shell with a distinctly rounded posterior end that gives it its common name. This filter-feeding clam plays an important ecological role in marine sediment ecosystems by processing organic matter and serving as prey for various bottom-dwelling fish, crabs, and shorebirds.
The blunt tellin faces significant pressure from coastal development and habitat degradation in its shallow marine environments. Pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development threatens the water quality of its sandy and muddy substrate habitats, while climate change-induced sea level rise and ocean acidification pose additional long-term risks to this bivalve species.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and intertidal zones with sandy and muddy substrates. Typically found buried in sediment in protected bays, lagoons, and nearshore marine environments at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to several meters below low tide.
Threats
Coastal development and habitat loss
Water pollution from agricultural and urban runoff
Ocean acidification
Sea level rise and coastal erosion
Sedimentation from land-based activities
Found in 27 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). blunt tellin (Arcopagia crassa). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/blunt-tellin