Chamelea gallina is a moderatly large bivalve that grows up to 4 cm. The shell is thick and broadly triangular in shape with numerous fine concentric ridges. The umbones are conspicuous with the contour of the shell sloping steeply on one side of the umbone and concave on the other. The shell is off-white or cream in colour and often tinted pale yellow. There may be numerous, very fine chestnut or pinkish streaks. There are typically three broad bands of deep chestnut or reddish-brown radiating from the umbones. The coating of the shell (periostracum) is thin.Chamelea gallina can live for up to 10 or 11 years (Fish & Fish, 1996).