CERASTODERMA EDULE Meaning and
Definition
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Cerastoderma edule, commonly known as the common cockle or edible cockle, is a species of saltwater clam that belongs to the family Cardiidae. It is widely distributed along the coasts of Europe, including the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The common cockle is characterized by its rounded shell, which features concentric grooves and a heart-shaped outline. The shell color varies from white to yellowish-brown, often with darker markings or stripes. It typically grows up to 5 centimeters in length, although larger specimens have been recorded.
These bivalve mollusks inhabit sandy or muddy substrate in intertidal zones, where they burrow into the sediment to remain partially exposed during low tide. They are filter feeders, extracting microscopic food particles suspended in the water through their siphons.
The common cockle is considered an edible species and is harvested for human consumption, particularly in European countries such as France, the UK, and Spain. They are often used in various culinary dishes, including soups, stews, or as a topping for pasta and rice dishes.
Due to their ecological importance and commercial value, Cerastoderma edule populations are subject to fisheries management regulations and conservation efforts in many European countries to sustain their populations and prevent overexploitation.
Etymology of CERASTODERMA EDULE
The word "Cerastoderma edule" is a combination of two parts.
1. "Cerastoderma" comes from the Greek words "keras" meaning "horn" and "derma" meaning "skin". This refers to the presence of a horn-like structure, known as a siphon, which protrudes from the shell of the organism.
2. "Edule" is derived from the Latin word "edulis" meaning "edible". It indicates that Cerastoderma edule is a species of shellfish that is considered edible.
Therefore, the etymology of "Cerastoderma edule" refers to the species of shellfish with a horn-like siphon that is edible.
