(spelled quahog in the US) or hard-shelled clams (Mercenaria) have a tough, thick, predator resistant shell. They are members of the Veneridae family of bivalves. Smaller quahaugs, less than 50 mm are called Littlenecks, while 50-75mm clams are called Cherrystones.
Our quahaug size categories are as follows. This is industry size, not company specific
Small (littlenecks) - 200 ct and 400 ct
Medium (topnecks) - 200 ct
Large (cherrystones) - 160 ct
Jumbo (chowders) - 100 ct
Quahaugs are sold by count in red mesh onion style bags.
Soft-shell Clams
The soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria) often called the "steamer" or "squirt clam" and belongs to the Myacidae family. Unlike mussels or oysters, clams live buried in the sand or mud, below the mid-tide level. It gets its name as it squirts water from its siphon when disturbed. This estuarine bivalve has thin, relatively brittle chalky white shells or valves. Unlike mussels or oysters, soft-shell clams cannot completely close their shells because of their long siphons used to filter water.
Softshell clams have no grade or brand sizes. There is a minimum harvest size of 2".
