San Diego Scallop
NameSan Diego Scallop
Scientific NamePecten diegensis
Common NameSan Diego Scallop
FamilyPectinidae
GenusPecten
Speciesdiegensis
Geographic DistributionEastern Pacific Ocean, primarily along the coast of North America from Point Conception, California, south to Baja California, Mexico.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)Typically ranges from 100 to 150 mm (4 to 6 inches) in height, though larger specimens up to 180 mm have been recorded.
Identifying FeaturesDistinguished by its robust, fan-shaped shell with numerous (20-25) rounded radial ribs. The upper valve is more convex and often darker than the flatter, lighter lower valve. The auricles are unequal, with the anterior auricle being larger and having a byssal notch on the right valve.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Dall, 1898)
Description
The San Diego Scallop is a medium to large-sized marine bivalve mollusk, characterized by its classic fan-shaped shell with prominent radial ribs. The shells typically display vibrant orange to reddish-brown coloration, often with darker mottling on the upper valve and a lighter, more uniform orange on the flatter lower valve. It is a commercially important species in its native range.
