Description

 Callista chione has a large, oval shell up to 9 cm long. The umbones are prominent and offset towards the anterior of the shell. In life the shells are smooth and glossy with numerous, fine concentric lines and distinct growth bands. The outer surface of the shell is a light reddish-brown to chestnut colour, often with darker streaks radiating from the umbones. The inner surface is of the shell is dull-white.Callista chione is also known as the Brown venus. Young specimens may have rows of vividly coloured spots, or three broad white bands, instead of dark streaks radiating from the umbones. Smaller specimens of Callista chione may resemble Chamelea gallina but the shell of Chamelea gallina is triangular and the lunule is deeply depressed and heart-shaped.