The species is characterized by its domed valves, and by the strong, sharp, commarginal growth ribs. – Above and below: beached, El Trabucador, Deltebre, Catalunya, NE. Spain. 28mm.

The name “matadoa” refers to the species recorded by M. Adanson in his book Histoire naturelle du Sénégal, Paris 1757: « What makes it distinctive from all the others Tellins is about fourty to fourty-five transverse corrugations that are spread all over its surface, parallel to its width » (Adanson part II, p.240). Above, the species pictured plate 18 (5). The author notices also the colour: « white, and sometimes yellow, inside as well as outside, especially near the summit. »