Distribution of the Common Cockle Cerastoderma edule (Linnaeus 1758) (Molluska: Bivalvia) in the Littoral Zone of Levrier Bay, Mauritania

The distribution of the common cockle Cerastoderma edule was studied in Levrier Bay, Mauritania, at the southern margin of its range. The populations of the common cockle in Levrier Bay are located in the littoral zone of two closed bays, both with minimum surf and a reduced tidal influence. Mainly sandy and, to a lesser extent, sandy-silt grounds serve as habitats. The morphological peculiarities, the size–weight structure, abundance, and biomass of the common cockle populations were studied, analyzed, and compared for areas of commercial harvesting of this mollusk and in pristine areas. The abundance and biomass of benthic organisms accompanying the common cockle are also presented.