Atlantic Seashore Field Guide by Sept J. Duane;

Author:Sept, J. Duane;
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780811763486
Publisher: Stackpole Books
Published: 2017-01-10T00:00:00+00:00

Atlantic Sea Scallop

Placopecten magellanicus

Authority: (Gmelin, 1791)

Other Names: Also known as Atlantic deep-sea scallop, deep-sea scallop, giant scallop, sea scallop; formerly classified as Pecten tenuicostatus

Description: The exterior of the lower (right) shell is reddish or pinkish brown, occasionally with white rays. The exterior of the upper (left) shell is pinkish white. The shells’ interiors are white. The valves are moderately thick and solid, nearly circular, with small, almost equal ears. The shells are sculptured with numerous fine radial threads.

Size: Length to 8" (20 cm); width to 8" (20 cm)

Habitat/Ecology: On sand, gravel, or rubble; in subtidal waters from 12–600' (4–180 m) deep

Geographic Range: Labrador to Cape Hatteras

Notes: Unlike the blue eyes of the Atlantic calico scallop, this scallop has steely gray eyes. The shells of the Atlantic sea scallop were often used as dishes by the native people along the coast. The age of this scallop can be estimated by counting the number of rings on its shell—just as the rings of a tree. The Atlantic sea scallop matures at four years and lives six to eight years on average. This species can be observed at snorkeling depths in Maine. This species is the focus of an important commercial fishery. Their shells are sometimes found on the beach after a storm.

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