Lion's Paw Scallop (also known as Nodipecten)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia, Order: Pectinida, Family: Pectinidae, Genus: Nodipecten, Species: Nodipecten nodosus · Pectinidae (Scallop family) · Bivalve, whole shell fragment, fan-shaped
Species
Nodipecten nodosus
Shell Type
Bivalve, whole shell fragment, fan-shaped
Family
Pectinidae (Scallop family)
Size
Approximately 2.5 to 3 inches in width, which is a medium-sized juvenile or fragment. Adults of this species typically range from 4 to 6 inches.
Color & Pattern
Uniformly chalky white due to sun-bleaching and weathering. Natural live specimens typically exhibit vibrant shades of red, orange, purple, or yellow. The exterior displays prominent raised ribs adorned with characteristic knob-like nodes.
Rarity
Uncommon as a whole beach find, especially in pristine colored condition; bleached fragments like this are found with dedicated searching in appropriate tropical regions.
Habitat
Found in marine environments in shallow subtidal to moderately deep water, typically ranging from 5 to 50 meters depth. They inhabit sandy bottoms, coral rubble zones, and sponge-rich areas.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina through the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and down to Brazil.
Description
A striking and heavily sculpted bivalve featuring robust radial ribs decorated with distinctive raised nodes or knobs. The shell has an auriculate (eared) hinge line typical of scallops, though damaged on the margins in this specimen. The heavy, thick calcareous structure provides robust defense against marine predators.
Key Features
Distinguished by its heavy, solid fan shape and the prominent, bulbous nodes or spines arranged along the strong radial ribs, differentiating it from smoother, thinner scallops.
Collector Value
Moderately desirable for shell collectors, particularly large, vividly colored specimens with intact ears and nodes. This specific weathered white fragment holds low commercial value but is a neat educational piece.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition. The shell is worn, sun-bleached to a solid white, and shows signs of marginal wear and chipping. Original vibrant pigmentation is absent. Collectibility grade: Fair.
Interesting Facts
Unlike many bivalves that burrow or cement themselves, Lion's Paw scallops are capable of swimming short distances by rapidly clapping their valves together to expel water, helping them escape predators like sea stars.
Ecological Role
Acts as a filter feeder helping to maintain water clarity. Serves as a food source for various marine predators including octopuses, sea stars, and large fish. Not currently listed as endangered, but populations are locally impacted by overharvesting.
Similar Species
Pacific Lion's Paw (Nodipecten subnodosus) found on the Pacific coast of the Americas, which tends to grow larger and has slightly different node configurations.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along tropical or subtropical high-tide drift lines following storms, or dive/snorkel in clear shallow waters near coral and rock rubble zones.