Animal Species:Common Pipi
This is one of the most common molluscs encountered on Sydney's ocean beaches. The Pipi lives only a few centimetres beneath the surface and uses its muscular foot to burrow into the sand
Common Pipi on Beach
Dr Isobel Bennett
© Australian Museum
Alternative Name/s
Goolwa Cockle, Surf Clam
Identification
The Common Pipi's strong, smooth shell is off white or light pink with purple inside.
Size range
5 cm
Distribution
Common Pipis are found around coastal Australia.
Habitat
Common Pipis live on exposed sandy beaches and in intertidal areas.
Other behaviours and adaptations
An important part of the diet of local Aborigines, Common Pipi remains have been found in Aboriginal midden sites dating back 2,000 years.
Predators, Parasites and Diseases
Sea birds feed on Common Pipis and can be seen wading in the wet sand using their feet to search for them. Humans also collect Common Pipis for bait or to eat.
Classification
- Species:
- deltoides
- Genus:
- Donax
- Order:
- Veneroida
- Class:
- Bivalvia
- Phylum:
- Mollusca
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Last Updated:
Tags pipis, edible, bush tucker, indigenous, food, shellfish, invertebrates, bivalvia, bivalves, identification, molluscs, mollusca, wildlife of sydney,
