There are 3 species of Sunset clams commonly seen. They are similar in that they all have pink rays extending from the point of the shell to the edge, rather like rays of the sun. The Pink Sunset shell has thin almost see through shells with a central hinge and rounded ends to the valves.

Low tide to 30m deep in fine to course sand. They are found on semi-protected to semi-exposed shores and burrow to about 20cm deep. They need good water flow.

Filter feeders.

Photo Credit: Rod Morris. Photos available from www.rodmorris.co.nz