VENUS CLAMS (Veneridae), are a very large family of minute to large, saltwater clams, marine bivalve molluscs. Over 500 living species of venerid bivalves are known, most of which are edible, and many of which are exploited as food sources. The genus Venus is named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. Venus for Romans.  It lives on sand and gravel seabeds from the intertidal down to 100m. Reproduction takes place at the beginning of summer (May to June).