Shell really variable in outline, the anterior and posterior margins can be more or less stretched and also the ventral margin can be very arched or almost straight. From both sides a sort of carina joins the umbo to the anterior and posterior margins. The sculpture is made by close concentric striae. The shell background colour is dirty white. The periostracum, rather thick above all on the ventral margin, is usually yellowish or light brown. The max. average measures reach 25 mm in length. The Mediterranean specimens are smaller than the Atlantic ones. The juvenile specimens (having got no sculpture yet) can be easily confused with Mactra stultorum juvenile specimens.

Distribution: very common all over the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Habitat: this species lives into sandy and sandy-muddy bottoms up to 30-40 m depth. It is often found in remarkable quantities.