Kingdom Animalia Subclass Pteriomorphia Family Limidae Scientific name Ctenoides scaber Rank Species | Phylum Mollusca Order Limoida Genus Ctenoides Higher classification Lima | |
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Similar Ctenoides ales, Bivalvia, Molluscs, Limidae, Lima | ||
Electric flame scallop
The flame scallop or rough fileclam, scientific name Ctenoides scaber, is a species of saltwater clam, a marine bivalve mollusc in the family Limidae the file clams. Despite their common name, flame scallops are not closely related to true scallops.
Contents
- Electric flame scallop
- Electric flame scallop will it electrocute me to death
- Description
- Habitat and diet
- Predators
- References
This species is found in the Caribbean Sea. It is similar in appearance to the Indo-Pacific electric flame scallop (Ctenoides ales).
Electric flame scallop will it electrocute me to death
Description
Flame scallops have a rough shell and a red mantle. At the edge of the mantle are red and white tentacles. The flame scallop's vibrant red color is due to the large amount of carotenoids found within their body. Flame scallops can reach 3 inches in length. As is the case in almost all bivalves, the gills in this species are used both for respiration and filtration.
Habitat and diet
Flame scallops rest in their own "nests", which are made of small coral pieces and rocks. Flame scallops are herbivorous, eating only phytoplankton. During the consumption process, flame scallops sift and sort through the phytoplankton with their palps to determine what is appropriate for ingestion.
Predators
To escape predators such as crabs and shrimp, the flame scallop’s valves are utilized in fast locomotion, clapping their valves together to propel themselves away.
