I've just started shell identification today! I'm collecting only in New Jersey right now. What are these? Are they all the same even though their colors vary? All found at Long Beach Island New Jersey
Hello, welcome to the Seashell Collectors' Forum. Yes, these shells are all the same species. They have the scientific name Anadara ovalis. They are in a family commonly called "Ark Shells". This species is cometimes called the "Blood Ark" because unlike most mollusks it has red blood. You can find some more information on this species here:
https://www.mitchellspublications.com/gu...cles/0002/