Noetia ponderosa
The Ponderous Ark is one of the few bivalves that are found undamaged, due to their heavy thick shell. They lack the straight hinge line of other arks and grow to 2 ½ inches. Shells often still have a dark brown or black velvet-like periostracum (organic shell layer). This covering is sometimes mistaken for a layer of oil or tar.
Ponderous Arks trickle spawn throughout the year with peaks in the summer and fall. They live in waters to 60 feet deep.
Studies have been conducted in Florida to determine if aquaculture of this bivalve would be profitable. Results showed that there was limited appeal by traditional clam customers.
The photo above shows a sea whip skeleton attached to the clam. These and other soft flexible corals are often found attached to the posterior of Ponderous Arks. Since Sea Whips feed on plankton suspended in the water, they may benefit from the water currents created by the filter feeding Arks.
Live shells should never be taken from any Florida State Park.