Trachycardium egmontianum
The Prickly Cockle is distinguished by its rough spiny shell that grows up to 1 ¼ to 2 ¾ Inches.
These bivalves have a strong narrow foot with which they can “jump” by bending and then quickly straightening it. It is also used to bury itself just below the sea floor.
They feed on plankton by drawing in seawater through their short siphons. They exhibit gonochorism (the sex varies according to surrounding conditions). Cockles’ predators are shore birds, fish, sea stars and humans.
Live shells should never be taken from any Florida State Park.