Constricted Macoma
Austromacoma constricta
Markings and exact colorations may vary.
A chalky white, oval clam whose rear end is pinched and twisted to one side.
- Typical size
- 1.5–2.5 in
- How often it turns up
- Common
- Collecting
- Restricted
- Handling
- Safe to handle
Empty shells are fine to keep on most public beaches. Live shelling is banned in Lee County and Florida state parks and needs a fishing license elsewhere — if an animal is inside, put it back.
How to tell it apart
- Chalky white, oval
- Rear end narrowed and twisted sideways
- Patches of thin yellowish skin on fresh shells
Where to find these in Florida
Beaches rated very good or excellent for shells. Each page shows today’s score, the best window and access details.
- Anclote Key Preserve State Park · Tarpon Springs
- Bean Point · Anna Maria
- Beer Can Island (Greer Island) · Longboat Key
- Boca Grande Public Beach · Boca Grande
- Bowman's Beach · Sanibel
- Captiva Beach · Captiva
- Cayo Costa State Park · Cayo Costa
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park · Naples
- Don Pedro Island State Park · Cape Haze
- Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park · St. George Island
- Gasparilla Island State Park · Boca Grande
- Gulfside City Park (Algiers Beach) · Sanibel
Found one?
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Commonly confused with
Short MacomaPsammotreta brevifrons
Constricted macoma has a long, strongly twisted rear; short macoma is rounder with a slight twist.
More shells in the field guide
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