Cockles

Common name for certain marine bivalves, related to the quahog and the razor clam. The name cockle applies especially to the common edible European species. Cockles have two hinged, heart-shaped shells with prominent ribs. The muscular, pointed foot is used for locomotion. About 200 species are known, most of them native to the tropics. The cockle, which may attain a length of up to 15 cm (6 in), lives on sand near the water's surface and feeds on tiny sea plants and animals.