Habitat Suitability Index Models: Hard Clam

Two species of hard clams occur along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts of North America: the southern hard clam, Mercenaria campechiensis Gmelin 1791, and the northern hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria Linne 1758. The latter species, also commonly known as the quahog, was formerly named Venus mercenaria. The two species are closely related, produce viable hybrids, and may be a single species.

Throuqhout their ranges, hard clams support extensive commercial and
recreational fisheries. Additionally, because adult clams are sedentary, they may serve as biological indicators of changing environmental conditions.