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Taxobox_image | image = Image:Geoduck.jpg|250px|A Geoduck retrieved off the Pacific Coast | caption = Pacific geoduck clam Taxobox_begin_placement | color = pink Taxobox_regnum_entry | taxon = Animalia Taxobox_phylum_entry | taxon = Mollusca Taxobox_classis_entry | taxon = Bivalvia Taxobox_ordo_entry | taxon = Myoida Taxobox_familia_entry | taxon = Hiatellidae Taxobox_genus_entry | taxon = Panopea Taxobox_species_entry | taxon = abrupta Taxobox_end_placement Taxobox_section_binomial | color = pink | binomial_name = Panopea abrupta | author = Timothy Abbott Conrad|Conrad | date = 1849 Taxobox_end Pronounced "GOO-wee-duck," the geoduck (Panopea abrupta or Panope generosa) is not a duck at all, but a species of large saltwater clam, also known as the king clam or elephant trunk clam. The name is derived from a Nisqually (tribe)|Nisqualli Native Americans|Indian word meaning "dig deep", and its phonetically counterintuitive spelling is likely the result of poor transcription (alternate spellings include gweduck and goiduck). Native to the Pacific Coast of the United States and Canada (primarily Washington, British Columbia, and Southeast Alaska), it is the largest burrowing clam in the world, weighing in at an average of one to three pounds (1.4 kg) at maturity, but specimens weighing over 10 pounds (4.5 kg) and as much as a meter in length are not unheard of. It has a life expectancy of up to 100 years or more, with the oldest recorded at over 160 years. Scientists speculate that the geoduck's longevity is the result of low wear and tear. A geoduck sucks in plankton, spits out the refuse and, periodically, ejects sperm or eggs. That's about it, unless it happens to fall victim to one of its few predators. In Alaska, sea otters and dogfish have proved able to dislodge an adult geoduck, and starfish can grab an unwary siphon and slowly nibble away at it. Geoducks are broadcast spawners. A female geoduck produces about 5 billion eggs in her century-long lifespan—in comparison, a woman|human female produces about 500 viable ova during the course of her life. It is possible that this fact, in conjunction with the phallic shape of the siphon, has led to the belief that the shellfish has aphrodisiac properties. The geoduck is the official mascot of the Evergreen State College, located at the southernmost tip of Puget Sound in Olympia, Washington|Olympia, Washington. The college|school's Latin motto, Omnia Extares (or, "let it all hang out") is probably intended as a sarcasm|tongue-in-cheek reference to the creature's appearance. The world's first geoduck fishery was created in 1970, but demand for the semi-forgotten clam was low. Today, they sell in Asia for up to US$30/lb. The Jumbo clam, like abalone, is highly regarded in Chinese cuisine. Its large, meaty siphon is prized for its incredibly sweet flavour and crunchy texture. Extremely popular in Hong Kong, China and Japan, where it is considered a rare taste treat, Geoduck is mostly eaten cooked in a fondue-style Chinese hot pot or raw sashimi style, dipped in soy sauce and wasabi. On Japanese menus, Geoduck is called mirugai (海松貝) or mirukuigai (水松喰貝). (Although mirugai is sometimes translated to english as "Giant Clam", it is distinguished from "Himejako" sushi made from Giant clam|Tridacna gigas.) The geoduck's high market value has created an $80M annual industry, with harvesting occurring in both Washington state and the province of British Columbia. It is one of the most closely regulated fisheries in the both countries; in Washington, Department of Natural Resources staff are on the water continually, monitoring harvests, and the same is true in Canada where the Underwater Harvesters' Association manages the Canadian Fishery in conjunction with Canada's Department of Fisheries and Ocean. Demand has also led to a rapidly developing aquaculture industry.
Category:Animals Category:Molluscs Category:Chinese cuisine Category:Japanese cuisine This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Geoduck".
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