03/22/2026
Every now and then we find something other than clams to get excited about out here in Bogue Sound. The Penshell is definitely one of them! 🐚
Y’all have probably seen (or stepped on!) these guys before. They are definitely one of the cooler shellfish we find in bogue sound. While they look like huge fans, they’re actually one of the largest bivalve species in NC—some of these can grow over a foot long!
We have a few different species of penshell in our waters, but the Stiff Penshell is the one we see the most.
Stiff Penshells can actually produce black pearls. They aren't the shiny ones you see in jewelry stores (they’re usually dull, small, and fragile), but one penshell and produce many of these tiny gems. Finding them is like hitting the Bogue Sound lottery!
They bury themselves deep in the mud, using byssal threads to anchor themselves with just the edge of their shell above the sand. Just like our clams, these guys are heavy lifters when it comes to filtering the water and keeping the sound healthy for everyone.
They might be a hazard for bare feet, but they’re a huge part of the ecosystem we work in every day. 🌊 🤘
Have you ever found a giant one washed up or—even better—spotted a penshell pearl? Drop a photo in the comments or tell us where you found your best one!
