Spiny fileclam
Lima lima
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Description:
This bivalve shell is not attached to the substrate. The shells are roundish with many fine ribs, covered with sharp spines. The mantle and the short tentacles are white to lavender. The color of the shells is whitish. It can swim by snapping the shells shut, thus escaping predators.
Size: up to 9 cm.
Habitat:
It can be found under stones and rocks in the shallower waters.
Depth: ranges from 1 m down to 8 m.
Distribution:
Common all over the Caribbean.
Remarks:
In most countries it is illegal to bring back these shells from holidays.