Clam & Crab Identification
Cockle
Shell has prominent, evenly spaced ridges (ribs). Size 1½ to 3".

Littleneck Clam
(Steamer) Shell has radiating ribs, lacks deep scalloped edge of cockle. Size 1½ to 2½".

Butter Clam
(Martha Washington) Shell has fine concentric lines of growth. Size 2 to 4".

Softshell Clam
(Mud) (non-native) Egg shaped shell with concentric rings. Size 2 to 4".

Gaper Clam
(Blue, Empire, Horseneck) Large gape where neck protrudes. Size 3 to 6".

Razor Clam
Thin, oval shell has a smooth, lacquer-like, light brown coating; typically found on sandy ocean beaches. Size 3 to 6".

Purple Varnish Clam
(non-native) Thin, flat, shiny brown shell with external hinge. Interior of shell has purple hue. Size 1½ to 4".

Before Harvesting Clams and Mussels
For your safety, call the Oregon Department of Agriculture Shellfish Safety Hotline before harvesting clams or mussels at 1-800-448-2474 or visit: oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/pages/shellfish_status.aspx.
Red Rock Crab
Native crab with a red fan-shaped back and large black-tipped claws.

European Green Crab
- Non-native invasive crab
- 3 bumps between eyes,5 spines on each side of carapace
- Color is variable, and not the best characteristic to identify: crab can be green, black, or yellow on top of carapace and have white, yellow, orange, or reddish undersides and leg joints
https://myodfw.com/crabbing-clamming/species/european-green-crab
https://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/shellfish/crab/Crab_ID.asp#exotic
Dungeness Crab
Female crabs have a rounded flap on their underside. Male crabs have an elongated flap. Minimum measurement does not include points.
