Delectopecten peckhami
NameDelectopecten peckhami
Scientific NameDelectopecten peckhami
Common NamePeckham's Scallop (fossil)
FamilyPectinidae
GenusDelectopecten
Speciespeckhami
Geographic DistributionFossil records primarily from the Pacific Northwest of North America (e.g., California, Oregon, Washington) and also reported from Japan. This species is extinct.
Average Size (mm)Fossil specimens generally range from 20 to 50 mm in height.
Identifying FeaturesKey features include its bivalve structure, subcircular outline (inferred), thin shell, concentric growth lines, and faint radial striations. The presence of auricles (ears) near the hinge is characteristic of the genus, though not clearly visible in this fragmented fossil. Its fossil context is also a primary identifying feature.
Dietfilter-feeder
Rarityrare
Author Citation(Gabb, 1869)
Description
This image displays a fossilized bivalve shell, identified as Delectopecten peckhami, embedded within a light brown sedimentary rock matrix. The shell appears fragmented, with one larger, somewhat circular piece and a smaller, broken piece nearby. The shell material itself is light-colored, ranging from off-white to cream, and shows evidence of concentric growth lines and some radial striations, characteristic of scallop shells. The fossil is well-preserved in terms of its form, though the original shell material has likely undergone diagenesis.
