Ruditapes decussatus, commonly known as the European carpet clam, is a bivalve mollusk found in sandy and muddy coastal waters of Europe and North Africa. It has a distinctive, rounded shell with a pattern of radiating ridges and a smooth interior. This species typically grows to about 5 to 10 centimeters in length and is often harvested for food. These clams are filter feeders, meaning they obtain nutrients by filtering plankton and organic particles from the water. Ruditapes decussatus plays an important role in the marine ecosystem by contributing to water quality and serving as a food source for various predators, including birds and fish.