Donax variabilis
The Coquina is a small wedge-shaped bivalve growing to a maximum of 1 inch. They are favored by shell collectors because they have a wide range of colors; white, yellow, pink, orange, red, purple, brown and blue. Some have colorful ray markings.
They live in colonies just below the sand’s surface where they migrate with the tide. They reposition themselves by frequently allowing wave action to wash them to a new location where they quickly rebury themselves. They have two short siphons and feed on suspended plant material and detritus.
Coquinas can be boiled and simmered to make a seafood broth.
Large deposits of Coquina shells are used for building materials. Compacted over time, they create a limestone that can be cut into blocks.
Live shells should never be taken from any Florida State Park.