Calico Scallop (also known as the Atlantic Calico Scallop)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia, Order: Pectinida, Family: Pectinidae, Genus: Argopecten, Species: A. gibbus · Pectinidae (Scallop family) · Bivalve (two-shelled), specifically a single valve fragment or worn individual with an oval-elongated fan-like shape
Species
Argopecten gibbus
Shell Type
Bivalve (two-shelled), specifically a single valve fragment or worn individual with an oval-elongated fan-like shape
Family
Pectinidae (Scallop family)
Size
Approximately 1 inch in length, which is smaller than average due to this appearing to be a worn fragment or juvenile. Adults typically range from 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
Color & Pattern
Rich terracotta or reddish-brown base color featuring darker vertical ribs and subtle mottled patterns characteristic of calico scallops, with a prominent white worn patch showing the inner calcified layer.
Rarity
Common
Habitat
Found in shallow marine waters, typically living on sandy or shell-gravel substrates in seagrass beds and open bottoms from the low intertidal zone down to depths of about 150 feet.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina down through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea.
Description
A striking reddish-orange bivalve fragment exhibiting distinct radial ribs characteristic of the scallop family. The surface texture shows classic ribbed sculptural features that have been slightly smoothed by wave action, presenting an attractive, polished appearance with a contrasting white patch of inner shell layer.
Key Features
Prominent radial ribs, asymmetrical auricles (ears) partially missing, and a distinctly compressed, rounded-to-oval profile with vivid reddish-brown coloration.
Collector Value
Low to moderate value. While complete, brightly colored specimens are popular in shell crafts and beginner collections, worn fragments like this have minimal commercial value.
Condition Notes
Fair condition; this is a worn single valve fragment showing weathering and smoothing from wave action with loss of margins, graded as a Fair collectibility specimen.
Interesting Facts
Unlike many bivalves that burrow or remain sedentary, calico scallops can swim short distances by rapidly clapping their valves together to expel water, and they possess dozens of simple blue eyes along the mantle edge.
Ecological Role
Serves as an important prey species for numerous marine predators including sea stars, fish, and octopuses, contributing significantly to the benthic marine food web.
Similar Species
Bay Scallop (Argopecten irradians), which tends to be slightly larger with fewer, broader ribs and a more northern distribution.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along high-tide shell lines on sandy beaches in Florida and the southeastern United States, especially following storms or rough surf conditions.