Pacific Calico Scallop
NamePacific Calico Scallop
Scientific NameArgopecten ventricosus
Common NamePacific Calico Scallop
FamilyPectinidae
GenusArgopecten
Speciesventricosus
Geographic DistributionEastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from California (USA) south through Baja California (Mexico) and into the Gulf of California.
Average Size (mm)70
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive bright blue eyes along the mantle edge, numerous sensory tentacles, a fan-shaped shell with strong radial ribs, and highly variable color patterns. The right valve is typically more convex and lighter in color than the left.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author CitationSowerby II, 1842
Description
A bivalve mollusk, specifically a scallop, partially buried in sandy substrate. Its mantle edge is visible, adorned with numerous translucent tentacles (cirri) and distinctive bright blue eyes. The shell itself appears ribbed and is covered in sand, suggesting camouflage.
