Leafy Jewel Box

Chama macerophylla

Chama macerophylla is a bivalve mollusc characterized by its brightly colored, heavy shell adorned with long, ribbed, leafy projections arranged in radiating rows. The colors typically range from yellow to orange, though some individuals may appear pinkish. The inside of the shell is white. This species can be found along the Atlantic coast of North America, from North Carolina to the West Indies, and it prefers a benthic lifestyle, often cementing its lower valve to the substrate. It inhabits depths ranging from 0 to 525 meters, with most recorded occurrences at depths shallower than 40 meters. In terms of diet, Chama macerophylla is a filter feeder, consuming plankton and organic matter from the water. The species is known to reproduce through a life cycle that includes free-swimming larvae, which develop into the adult form. Encountering this clam while diving can be interesting due to its unique shape and coloration, especially in environments like caves or coral reefs where it may be found. The conservation status of Chama macerophylla is not evaluated, indicating that there is insufficient data to assess its population trends or threats. Divers may find this species at various dive sites, making it a relatively common sight in its habitat.