Clams are bivalve molluscs found in fresh or salt water. Their shells are joined together by a hinge joint. They also have a gill chamber and a mouth. Many clams also have a siphon, a digestive system that pulls food from the bottom of the mud or the water. There are more than 15,000 species of clams in the world. Most clams are native to the seas and oceans, but clams can also be found in freshwater. The largest clam, Tridacna gigas, can grow to 4.8 feet in length.

A wide variety of animals and birds eat clams. Some species live in contaminated water, but the majority of clams living in Massachusetts are clean. In some areas, high toxin levels can delay clam season. For this reason, it is important to avoid clams with fecal coliform bacteria. These toxins can be toxic to humans.

Clams are known to be one of the best sources of food for many marine animals. In fact, clams are one of the primary foods for some birds, including the common sandpiper, the whooping crane and the roseate spoonbill. Other animals and plants that eat clams include the green crab, the starfish and the whelk.

Clams are used for cooking and as a source of juice. Using clam juice is an easy way to add a briny flavor to foods. This liquid is sold separately from the meat of the clam. It can also be used as a substitute for fish stock. If you want to use clam juice as a broth for a seafood dish, it is recommended that you only add it to the food once the entire dish has been simmered.

Although clams can be found fresh, they are also available canned. Canned clams are usually cooked in a liquid to enhance the taste of the dish. While it may not taste as good as fresh clams, it is a convenient option for people who do not have access to fresh clams. However, be aware that the clam juice can contain high levels of toxins.

There are two types of clams: true and soft shell. True clams are essentially bivalves and live from the surface to depths of 0.6 metres. They have a powerful burrowing foot that protects them from wave action. On the other hand, soft shell clams are found in the intertidal zone, where they burrow into the sand. Soft shell clams have an average size of about 4 inches.

The life cycle of clams is a short one, typically lasting one year. The young clams are born with thin byssal threads, attaching themselves to the seaweed. They then settle on the ocean bottom and are eventually moved toward the intertidal zone. Only 10% of the larvae survive to become adult clams.

Most people eat clams because they are delicious. They have a sweet, tender flesh that is rich in calcium and potassium. They can be flavored with salt and pepper. Fresh clams are often steamed in juice for an added flavor. Occasionally, they are preserved for use in various dishes.