Ballot's saucer scallop
NameBallot's saucer scallop
Scientific NameAmusium balloti
Common NameBallot's saucer scallop
FamilyPectinidae
GenusAmusium
Speciesballoti
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, particularly off the coasts of Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia) and New Caledonia.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)100-150
Identifying FeaturesKey features include its very flattened, almost disc-like shape; thin and fragile shell; smooth or very finely sculptured exterior; small, subequal auricles; and distinct internal radial ribs (visible as faint grooves/ridges on the interior surface) combined with prominent concentric growth lines.
Dietfilter-feeder
Rarityrare
Author Citation(Bernardi, 1861)
Description
Ballot's saucer scallop (*Amusium balloti*) is a species of marine bivalve mollusc in the family Pectinidae, commonly known as scallops. It is characterized by its extremely flattened, disc-like shell, which is thin and fragile. The shell often exhibits attractive concentric color patterns, typically in shades of reddish-brown, purplish-brown, or yellowish-brown, with lighter bands. The interior of the shell, as shown in the image, reveals faint internal radial ribs and prominent concentric growth lines. This species is a free-swimming scallop, inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms in relatively deep waters.
