🐾

muergo

Ensis ensis

Least Concern

About

<em>Ensis ensis</em>, the common razor clam, is a bivalve mollusk in the family Pharidae, order Adapedonta. It is distributed along the northeastern Atlantic coastline, with documented populations in Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The species is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, suggesting stable populations across much of its range. Common razor clams typically inhabit sandy intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, burrowing rapidly into sediment using their muscular foot to evade predators and avoid desiccation. Their elongated shell, resembling an old-fashioned straight razor, is a distinctive morphological feature of the genus Ensis. <em>Ensis ensis</em> is a suspension feeder, typically drawing in water and filtering phytoplankton and organic particles through its siphons. This feeding strategy makes it an important component of coastal benthic communities. Razor clams play an ecological role as both filter feeders improving water clarity and as prey items for shorebirds, flatfish, and marine mammals. Biological traits such as precise lifespan, body measurements, and diet composition vary across populations and remain incompletely characterized. The species is commercially harvested in parts of its range and is considered a minor fishery resource in Scandinavian waters.

Habitat & Distribution

Native to Europe, inhabiting ecosystems characteristic of the region.

Distributed across Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Conservation Status

LC Least Concern

Full Taxonomy

Names in Other Languages

Spanish muergo
French couteau
German Gemeine Schwertmuschel

Similar Species in Ensis

Explore More

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of muergo?
The scientific name of muergo is Ensis ensis. It belongs to the genus Ensis.
What is the conservation status of muergo?
muergo (Ensis ensis) is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
Where does muergo live?
muergo is found in Distributed across Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.. Countries include Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden.
What family does muergo belong to?
muergo (Ensis ensis) belongs to the genus Ensis, which is part of the taxonomic family Pharidae.
Is muergo endangered?
No, muergo (Ensis ensis) is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, meaning it is not currently at significant risk of extinction.
What kingdom does muergo belong to?
muergo (Ensis ensis) belongs to the kingdom Animalia (Animals).
What are the closest relatives of muergo?
The closest relatives of muergo in the genus Ensis include giant razor clam, American Jack Knife Clam, American Jack Knife Clam.

Native Range — 4 Countries

Nature FYI Family

Explore more of the natural world across our sister sites.

Part of the Nature FYI family — FYIPedia