The Jackknife Clam  (Tagelus californianus), or Almeja navaja in Spanish, escapes danger by using its powerful foot to rapidly zip to the bottom of its burrow. This burrow in the mud is permanent and may be as deep as 20 inches. With its muscular foot, it can move quickly, feeding near the top and hiding near the bottom to escape danger.

Did you know? The Jackknife Clam is predominantly a filter feeder, pumping seawater through its gills and consuming plankton and bits of mudflat organic material.

To learn more about the Jackknife Clam, please visit the Encyclopedia of Life.

PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Mallory