Seven-rayed Scallop
NameSeven-rayed Scallop
Scientific NamePalliolum septemradiatum
Common NameSeven-rayed Scallop
FamilyPectinidae
GenusPalliolum
Speciesseptemradiatum
Geographic DistributionNortheast Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Norway southwards to the Mediterranean Sea, including the British Isles.
Shell Shapebivalve
Average Size (mm)50
Identifying FeaturesKey identifying features include the 7-9 prominent radial ribs on the shell, the presence of numerous small, reflective ocelli (eyes) along the mantle edge, and long, slender tentacles. The shell is inequivalve, with the left valve being more convex. The living animal's ability to swim by clapping its valves is also characteristic of scallops.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author Citation(O.F. Müller, 1776)
Description
The Seven-rayed Scallop is a marine bivalve mollusc, characterized by its distinctive shell and active lifestyle. The image shows a living specimen partially settled on a soft, muddy or sandy seabed. Its upper valve is visible, covered in some sediment, revealing a mottled reddish-brown coloration. The mantle edge is extended, displaying numerous small, dark ocelli (eyes) and long, slender, translucent tentacles, which are characteristic of scallops. The shell is typically somewhat rounded with prominent radial ribs.
