Named for its long, otter-shaped shell, this clam lives buried in the sand of sheltered bays and estuaries, with only its siphon showing. The shell is thin and fragile, easily broken by waves or predators. The shape is elongated and slightly curved, resembling the body of an otter swimming through the water. The name is descriptive, not scientific, but it captures the essence of the animal. This siphon draws in water, filtering out microscopic algae for food. The siphon is the clam's only connection to the world above the sand. It reaches up like a periscope, sampling the water for food while the clam's body remains hidden below. The siphon is also the clam's greatest vulnerability. A hungry fish or crab can bite it off, leaving the clam unable to feed. The clam can regenerate a lost siphon, but the process takes time and energy. The otter clam is not as well known as the pipi or cockle, but it is a common resident of sandy beaches around New Zealand. It lives in the same habitats as its more famous cousins, but it is less visible because it burrows deeper. A pipi sits just below the surface, its siphon barely protruding. An otter clam can be 10 centimetres down, hidden from view. You would never know it was there unless you dug for it. Its shell is often found washed up on beaches after storms. The thin, fragile shells are easily broken by the waves, but enough survive to be collected by beachcombers. A complete otter clam shell, with its long, elegant curve intact, is a rare and beautiful find. The shell is translucent when held up to the light, revealing the delicate internal structure. The otter clam is not commercially harvested in New Zealand, but it is sometimes collected by recreational gatherers for eating. Its flesh is sweet and tender, similar to pipi but milder. It is not as popular as pipi because it is harder to find and smaller. But for those who know where to dig, the otter clam is a hidden treasure of the sandy beach.