Biggest Burrowing Clam Geoduck Popular In China Native To Pacific Coast Of United States And Canada

The geoduck points out to the species belonging to huge saltwater clam, which is a marine bivalve mollusk. This clam is comprised of a big shell which is 15 to over 20 cm long.

It has got its name from a Lushootseed that carries the meaning as "dig deep" and is also referred to as king clam. Geoduck is a native to the Pacific Coast of the United States as well as Canada and is regarded as the biggest burrowing clam that can be found in the world. It carries a weight of one to three pounds on an average at maturity but one can also find specimens that weighs more than 15 pounds and measures 2 meters in length.

They are considered as the longest-living organisms that is present in the Animal Kingdom. They are expected to live for nearly 146 years and the records show that the oldest one lived for more than 160 years.

As per the speculations of the scientists, the longevity of the geoduck is because of the comparatively less wear and tear. The geoduck opts for sucking the plankton down by the application of its long siphon, which further leads to filtration and ejection of the remains via a different hole in the siphon.

Adult geoducks are comprised of less number of natural predators and this also results in their longevity. These animals are broadcast spawners and a female geoduck turns up with the production of nearly 5 billion eggs during her lifespan. The foundation of the initial geoduck fishery in the world was laid in the year 1970. The marketing of the geoducks is done in Asia at a rate of up to US$30 per lb.

The siphon, which is big and fleshy is liked by many as it tends to possess crunchy texture as well as savory flavor. It is regarded as a delicacy in China and has gained huge popularity there. The consumption of geoduck is mostly done in a Chinese hot pot made in fondue-style or in raw sashimi style and is usually dipped in wasabi and soy sauce. It is known as mirugai or mirukuigai on the menus catering to the Japanese. Geoduck