Cardium edule, commonly known as the edible cockle, is a species of edible saltwater clam found in coastal areas of Europe. There are several synonyms for this species, including Acanthocardia echinata, Cardium glaucum, and Cardium rusticum. The edible cockle is an important seafood that is widely consumed in many parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Portugal. It has a slightly sweet and salty taste and can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as steaming, boiling, or frying. The synonyms for Cardium edule are used interchangeably in scientific literature, and all refer to the same species of saltwater clam.