Giant Rock Scallop
NameGiant Rock Scallop
Scientific NameHinnites multirugosus
Common NameGiant Rock Scallop
FamilyHinnitidae
GenusHinnites
Speciesmultirugosus
Geographic DistributionPacific coast of North America, ranging from Alaska to Baja California, Mexico.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)100
Identifying FeaturesLarge size (up to 25 cm), thick and heavy shell, often irregular shape due to cementing to substrate, prominent and rugose radial ribs. The young are free-swimming with typical scallop auricles, but adults lose this mobility and become permanently attached.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author Citation(G.B. Sowerby I, 1835)
Description
A large, robust bivalve shell, often irregularly shaped due to its sessile, cemented lifestyle as an adult. The shell exhibits prominent, often rugose radial ribs and can be quite thick and heavy. Coloration is variable, typically ranging from white and cream to yellowish, orange, reddish-brown, or purplish hues, often with patches of different colors. The specimen shown is a single valve, displaying a transition from lighter, almost white near the umbo to a brownish-tan towards the ventral margin, with clear radial ribbing and some signs of wear or encrustation.
