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Cockle

Cockle ©Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Cockle

The common cockle is a traditional seaside favourite, both for its white shells often found in the sand and for the yummy snack of cockles doused in malt vinegar.

Scientific name

Cerastoderma edule

When to see

January to December

Species information

Category

Statistics

Length: up to 5cm long Average Lifespan: 5-10 years
Common

Habitats

About

The common cockle lives on muddy and sandy shores, between the high tide and low tide mark, and is commonly found in estuaries. It is a medium-sized clam-like shell, rounded and domed with radiating ridges. It feeds by filtering plankton and other organic matter from the water. Cockles are an important food source for shorebirds such as oystercatchers, the shore crab and flatfish.

How to identify

This is the most common cockle found on our shores and the one most likely to be found washed up on the beach. The outer surface of the shell is off-white, yellowish or brown, and the inside is white.

Distribution

Found all around UK coasts.

Did you know?

Cockles can reach densities of up to 10,000 individuals per square metre! In winter, common cockles don't grow very much which leads to the marked growth-bands on the shell; these bands can be used to age cockles.