Antarctic scallop
NameAntarctic scallop
Scientific NameAdamussium colbecki
Common NameAntarctic scallop
FamilyPectinidae
GenusAdamussium
Speciescolbecki
Geographic DistributionCircumpolar in the Southern Ocean, specifically around the Antarctic continent, including the Ross Sea, Weddell Sea, and other Antarctic shelf areas.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapebivalve
Average Size (mm)100-150
Identifying FeaturesA large, flattened, and relatively thin shell, often heavily encrusted with epibionts. It has a distinctive fringe of numerous sensory tentacles and small, dark ocelli (eyes) along the mantle edge, clearly visible when the shell is slightly open. Its circumpolar Antarctic distribution is also a key identifier.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Smith, 1902)
Description
The Antarctic scallop, *Adamussium colbecki*, is a bivalve mollusc native to the cold waters of the Southern Ocean. This specimen is shown live, partially open, revealing its delicate mantle edge adorned with numerous sensory tentacles and small, dark ocelli (eyes). Its shell is notably flattened, sub-circular to oval in shape, and in this image, it is heavily encrusted with various epibionts, giving it a rough, mottled brownish-tan appearance. These encrustations are common for this species, providing camouflage and potentially protection. It is an important component of the Antarctic benthic ecosystem.
