About Donax variabilis Say, 1822
Donax variabilis Say, 1822, commonly known as coquina, has a maximum reported shell size of 19 mm (0.75 in). The small shell's exterior comes in a very wide range of possible colors: it can be almost white, yellow, pink, orange, red, purple, brownish, or blueish, and may have darker rays or lack them. This species is found along the east coast of the United States, ranging from Cape May, New Jersey down to Florida, including East Florida, West Florida, and the Florida Keys. The coquina is edible. It is used to make broth, and in Trinidad it is prepared into a dish called Accra. It is also made into a cocktail served with a local culantro-flavored sauce, and is a popular ingredient in coconut curry served with cassava dumplings. Some people collect the colorful shells of this species for use in crafts.
