The Pointed Venus, Anomalocardia cuneimeris (Conrad, 1846), is found occasionally on the island beaches. It belongs to the large Venus Clam family, the Veneridae, which also includes better known local species such as the Southern Quahog (Mercenaria campechiensis) and the Sunray Venus (Macrocallista nimbosa). Perhaps because of its small size (never larger than one-inch long) or delicate colors, the Pointed Venus doesn’t strike a note with casual collectors. I find the shell elegant, however, with its curved lines, pointed posterior end, and varied colors, which may include shades of blue, green, gray, and brown.
The Pointed Venus, Anomalocardia cuneimeris, from Sanibel. Photo by José H. Leal.