SOUTHEAST TEXAS ARCHEOLOGY

RANGIA CUNEATA

Credit: U. S. Geological Survey/Florida Integrated Science Center

Rangia cuneata, also known as the Brackish Marsh Clam, is a brackish water shellfish common along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, it's taste similar to Atlantic saltwater clams. While Rangia was an important food source for coastal margin inhabitants, the importance of Rangia in the daily diet should not be overestimated, as the meat is not a rich food material. Studies have shown over 1,000 Rangia are needed to obtain 2,500 calories, and over 300 for the minimum daily protein requirement.

Adult Rangia range in size from 30 to 60 mm. in length.

Also see Shell Middens, Rangia preparation, Coastal Margin