2017Iceland’s Seabed Ecosystem II (Giant File Clam) - Sheetlets

Giant file clam (Acesta excavata) is a large and moderately convex bivalve living in the south and southwest of Iceland at a depth of 200-1400 m. The largest shells measure 17 cm in height and 10 cm in width. This is the largest bivalve found in Icelandic waters. The animal itself is pink or orange in colour while the shell is whitish. The giant file clam is often found close to corals and coral reefs. It subsists on plankton which are filtered from the mass of sea water. The file clam is considered excellent food but it is not harvested or used for culinary purposes.