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These are the siphons of the Common cockle. Cockles live just under the surface of sand and when they are active they push their siphons up through sand to feed and to breathe. Cockle sucks in oxigenated water together with food through one of the siphons, water then flows around the gills and the food particles are collected on a special groove that leads to the mouth. Used water is then ejected through the other siphon.