No. I (1917) 



EDIBLE MOLLUSCS 



are taken from the rocks by divers. They form an important food 

 item among fishermen and coast Muhammadans. 



The Ribbed Ark-shell (Arca gkanosa, Linn.). 



Tamil— Vari matti {enSta^i^). 



This fine shell is nowhere common. In appearance it looks 

 like a very rugose cockle ; the flesh is distinctively coloured red, due 

 to the blood being of this hue, an exceptional condition among 

 molluscs where the blood is generally colourless or tinted pale 

 bluish green. 



Fig. 2. — a. Ribbed Ark-shell. X i. 



B. Common matti or clam, x t. 



C. Backwater oyster {O virgi/naiia) X h' 



It occurs sparingly distributed in sandy backwaters on the East 

 Coast. In Pulicat Lake it is not uncommon. 



The flesh is tough, but because, presumably, of its red colour, 

 some shore dwellers have the idea that it has specially nutritious 

 and strengthening qualities; on this account it is often given to 

 women during pregnancy. 

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