Ark Clam

Ark clams are bivalve molluscs of the family Arcidae, found in shallow tropical and subtropical coastal waters across the Indo-Pacific, Mediterranean, and West Atlantic. Several species are commercially significant, including the blood cockle (Tegillarca granosa), named for the red haemoglobin in its blood that makes it appear to bleed when cut, and the common ark clam (Arca noae) of the Mediterranean. Ark clams are a staple in Southeast Asian, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese seafood markets, eaten raw, steamed, grilled, or tinned. The blood cockle is a beloved street food in Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, served with chilli sauce. In tinned form they appear from Southeast Asian producers.