Atlantic razor clam | DE L'EAU À LA BOUCHE

Illustration couleur d'un couteau droit.

La coquille du couteau droit ressemble à un ancien couteau de barbier : légèrement arquée, avec une longueur de 5 à 8 fois que grande que la largeur.

Deux valves de tailles identiques, mais asymétriques.

Sa couleur varie entre grisâtre, marbré de crème, brun et mauve. La coquille est recouverte d’une pellicule vert olive à brune, qui s’effrite lorsqu’elle sèche.

Deux siphons pour l’alimentation et la respiration,

Puissant pied à l’autre extrémité qui lui permet de s’enfouir très rapidement, en plus de se déplacer.

Nom

Atlantic razor clam
Ensis leei

Type

Seafood - molluscs

Autres appellations

Nom en cuisine

État de la ressource

Not a cause for concern
Not determined

Saison de consommation

Fresh from March to December.

SIZE : Up to 25 cm.

LIFE EXPECTANCY : Approximately 10 years.

LIFE CYCLE :

Males and females release their reproductive cells at the same time, around June and July, and fertilization takes place in the water. The eggs produce larvae, which become part of the plankton. After a few weeks, depending on water temperature, the larvae transform into juveniles and move to the bottom. They will reach a size of 10 cm in 3 or 4 years.

Coastal zone, at low tide, up to 35 m deep.

Atlantic razor clam live vertically buried in sand or mud, often in colonies called beds. Razor clams bury themselves up to 50 cm below the surface of the seabed. However, they are not completely sedentary. They can even swim and jump.

Photographie d'un couteau droit sur un fond sablonneux et rocheux.

Atlantic razor clam prefer sandy bottoms where they can bury themselves.
Credit : Richard Larocque, photo taken at Les Méchins, at a depth of 3 metres.

Voir l’image en plein écran

PREY :

Plankton

PREDATORS :

Seabirds

Marine worms

MACHINES : Hydraulic dredge.

REGULATIONS :

Specified fishing season
Minimum size of 100 mm
Quotas
Regulated fishing gear

Recreational harvesting is authorized in the Gaspé Peninsula and the Magdalen Islands. A daily maximum of 300 razor clams is authorized.

Recreational harvesting, yes, but only under certain conditions.

Atlantic razor clams can be hand harvested recreationally. However, molluscs can be toxic. Be sure to find out about harvesting conditions and whether your area is open. This information can be found on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website.

BENEFITS : The Atlantic razor clam is rich in protein, iron, and zinc.

LET’S COOK : Meaty, tender texture. Fine and slightly sweet taste with hints of almond.

Atlantic razor clams are generally sold fresh or canned. They can be baked, fried, steamed or cooked in broth.

OUR CULINARY ADVICE :

Do not over-cook. The meat hardens and becomes rubbery when over-cooked.

Document détaillant les mesures de précaution quant à la consommation des mollusques. Information sur la conservation, le maniement et la cuisson.

To avoid poisoning, it's important to always follow safe shellfish storage, handling and cooking practices.
Sources : DFO

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