Purple Scallop
NamePurple Scallop
Scientific NameArgopecten purpuratus
Common NamePurple Scallop
FamilyPectinidae
GenusArgopecten
Speciespurpuratus
Geographic DistributionPacific coast of South America, primarily from Peru to Chile.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapebivalve
Average Size (mm)80-120
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive fan shape, strong and numerous radial ribs, often vibrant purplish coloration, and frequently covered by epibionts. The presence of unequal auricles is also a key feature.
Dietfilter-feeder
Rarityrare
Author Citation(Lamarck, 1819)
Description
A bivalve mollusk, commonly known as the Purple Scallop, characterized by its fan-shaped shell with prominent radial ribs. The shell exhibits a purplish-pink hue, often partially obscured by various encrusting organisms like barnacles and tube worms, as seen in the image. It is typically found in marine environments, often on rocky or gravelly substrates.
