Veneridae – Tapetinae: Irus (Irus) carditoides (Lamarck, 1818) (‘cardita-like boring-venus’)

Synonym(s): carditoides Lamarck, 1818 distans Lamarck, 1818 planicosta Deshayes, 1854.

Typical shell-length 50 mm. The prevalence of dark chevrons towards the shell’s lateral margins tends to diminish with age. Lives intertidally and subtidally in crevices amongst rocks and seaweed, especially in exposed environments. Native. Endemic to southeastern and southwestern Australia (TAS, VIC, SA and WA). In Tasmanian waters, this is a widespread and common species.