A comparison of two Floridapopulations of the Coquina clam, Donax variablis Say, 1822 (Bivalvia: Donacidae). I. Intertidal density,distribution and migration

Donax variabilis Say, the coquina clam, lives in the surf zone on sandy exposed beaches of the eastern United States and the norther Gulf of Mexico. The nomenclature of this species was, until recently, in a state of confusion. Morrison (1970, 1971) pointed out that the correct name for the species is Donax protracta Conrad, 1849. However, the name Donax variabilis Say, 1822 was proposed for conservation (Boss, 1970) and subsequently accepted by the I.C.Z.N. (Melville, 1976).