Quahog
(Mercenaria mercenaria)

Quahog is a Native American word that means "hard shell". Outside of New England, these clams are often called hard-shelled clams (despite the fact that "quahog" is so much cooler...) Their shells are purplish inside, and were used to make beads. These beads, or wampum, were used as currency by Native Americans, hence their formal name, Mercenaria mercenaria Tending towards habitats with salinities higher than 15%, quahogs can be found in sand or muddy sand in bays and along ocean beaches all along the East Coast.Commercially, they are known as Littlenecks when up to 1 1/2 inches in length, Cherrystones up to 2 inches, and Chowder clams up to 3 inches or more. Coming from New England, I see these guys a lot on my beach. They are very tasty, especially in chowder (providing it doesn't have tomatoes in it...)