EDIBLE SHELLFISH OF THE CHILEAN COAST 285 



Modiolus dayctiliformis Hupc, is characterized by its oblong shape, 

 smoothed at the umbo and by the brownish green periostracum; the 

 inside of the shell is nacreous tinged with violet. The CHORITO or 

 QUILMAHUE (Horse-mussel) is found from Antofagasta to the Chiloe 

 zone, but only consumed by fishermen. 



Brachydontes purpiiratus Lamk, 1797 is the CHORITO MAICO 

 (Purple horse-mussel) found along all the Chilean coast, Tierra del 

 Fuego, Falkland Is., and Argentine coast up to Golfo Nuevo, also called 

 MEJILLON DEL SUR or MEJILLON PURPURA. It is fished in all its 

 area, but not for industrial purposes. 



Ostrea chilensis Philippi, 1845, the OSTRA CHILENA (Oyster) 

 found in an extended area from the coast of California to the zone 

 of Chiloe. It is the most demanded mollusk. Its exploitation has in- 

 creased since 1945 from 260 tons to 598 tons in 1951, Ancud being the 

 zone of greatest production. This production comes principally from 

 artificially stocked beds and has been helped by timely restrictions. 



Pecten (Plagioctenum) purpiiratus Lamk, 1819, OSTION is the 

 Chilean scallop most in demand, with orbicular, convex shell, with 26 

 ribs and pinkish white colour. The adductor muscle has a delicious 

 flavour and is preferably consumed fresh. In 1945, 65 tons, in 1950, 

 387 tons, and in 1951 only 262 tons were extracted. 



Chlamys paiagonicus King, 1831, OSTION MAGALLANICO (Ma- 

 gellanic scallop). Very common in the coasts of the Strait of Magellan 

 and in the fjords up to Puerto Montt, but not of great economic value. 



Protothaca thaca Molina, 1782, TACA (Hard clam) is found from 

 Ancon (Peru) to the Chonos Archipelago and is in demand because 

 of its excellent taste to be consumed baked on embers or in soups or 

 "curantos" (primitive preparation of shellfish and algae, cooked in 

 ground holes with hot stones). Production in 1950 and 1951 has 

 amounted to 901 and 913 tons respectively. 



Mesodesma donaciuyn Lamk, 1818, MACHA (Soft shell clam), is 

 found from Chiloe to the Sechura Bay, in Peru. Maximum production 

 amounted to 668 tons in 1951. Its white shell is covered by a straw 

 yellow periostracum and of its ends the shortest is subtruncate and the 

 widest, compressed and channelled. Obtained in great quantities in 

 Las Ventanas of Quintero, Iloca, etc. 



Tagelus (Mesopleura) dombeyi Lamk, 1818, is one of the NAVA- 

 JAS DE MAR (Razor-clams), found from Tumbes, Peru, to the Chiloe 

 Is. Hinged with two inconspicuous cardinal teeth; consumed by the 

 coastal people and frequently found in southern markets where its local 

 name is QUIVI. 



