Solen sicarius Gould, 1850

This native bivalave belongs to a group of clams commonly referred to as razor clams. Solen sicarius can reach a maximum length of 13 centimeters and inhabit permanent burrows up to 35 centimeters deep. They are very active diggers and can quickly dig deeper into the mud if threatened. This evasive clam also has the ability to "leap" several centimeters to avoid potential predators. S. sicarius prefers the higher salinity waters of central San Francisco Bay and ranges coastally from Alaska to Baja California. Solen are typically found burrowed into firm substrates within sheltered bays or coves. The specimen seen here was collected from Ayala Cove on the north side of Angel Island at a depth of 15 meters.