Venerupis Clam

Clam venerupis
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit100

 

possession limit-

 

boat limit-

(clams, cockles and pipi species combined)

Guide to symbols

bagBag Limit
housePossession Limit
boatBoat Limit

Minimum size

None
Measuring

Most scalefish are measured from the nose to the end of the tail. Get your scalefish measuring ruler or sticker at any Service Tasmania outlet.

Other names

clam, sand cockle, venus clam


Scientific name

Venerupis largillierti

Grows to


Up to

80mm

Identifying features


​A large, oval shaped clam which is a yellow-white colour, both inside and outside. The shells have numerous, irregular concentric ridges, that become coarser towards the outer ends of the shell. Young shells may have numerous fine, dark lines. Larger than the katelysia cockle.

​Habitat

Found on both the intertidal flats and subtidal zone in sand and mud, usually in sheltered inshore waters on the east and south east coasts of Tasmania.

Fishing information

Can be collected in small numbers by recreational fishers by hand or by diving in Georges Bay on the east coast.

Public Health advice

Follow any public health alerts relating to eating wild shellfish - refer to the Department of Health and Human Services or phone their hotline on 1800 671 738.​​ Do not consume shellfish from the Tamar or Derwent estuaries.​

Cooking

Clams are improved by purging to get rid of the sand. Suspend them in aerated seawater in a cool place overnight. These clams combine well with garlic, white wine and parsley, such as when cooked with pasta. Also popular steamed, barbequed, in soups, paella and on pizzas. If fresh, can be eaten raw. Do not eat if the shells don’t open during cooking.

Hotline

Fishwatch Report illegal fishing

0427 655 557

What to report? arrow button

Contact us

Recreational Fishing

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

Hobart TAS 7000

Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647

Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries Licensing

Level 1, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: fishing.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au