Lion's Paw Scallop (Juvenile)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia, Order: Pectinida, Family: Pectinidae, Genus: Nodipecten, Species: N. nodosus · Pectinidae (Scallop family) · Bivalve (two-shelled). Specimen is a single valve (half-shell) with a fan-like, convex shape.
Species
Nodipecten nodosus (Confidence: High)
Shell Type
Bivalve (two-shelled). Specimen is a single valve (half-shell) with a fan-like, convex shape.
Family
Pectinidae (Scallop family)
Size
Approximately 0.75 to 1 inch. This is a juvenile specimen; adults typically reach 3-6 inches. Compared to the typical species range, this is a very young individual.
Color & Pattern
Base color is a creamy light orange or peach. It shows slight sun-bleaching. The sculptural knobs (nodes) appear lighter or white. No distinctive banding is present, but the radial ribs define the color distribution. The interior appears mostly white or pale pink.
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare as a beach find. While common in deep water, whole valves or even identifiable fragments are prized finds at Holden Beach due to their offshore habitat.
Habitat
Found in marine environments, typically on sandy or rocky bottoms, or attached to reefs. They range from shallow subtidal depths to over 150 feet deep.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic, ranging from North Carolina south to Brazil and throughout the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.
Description
A heavy, thick-walled scallop shell characterized by strong, prominent radial ribs. The surface is adorned with large, hollow-like bumps or nodes that give the shell its name, resembling the knuckles of a lion's paw. The auricles (ears) on either side of the hinge are unequal in size.
Key Features
Heavy ribbing usually numbering 7 to 9 main ribs; prominent bulbous nodes along the ribs; unequal 'ears' at the hinge; thick, sturdy shell structure even in smaller specimens.
Collector Value
Moderate desirability. While this specimen is small and weathered, Lion's Paws are 'bucket list' shells for many East Coast beachcombers. A large, adult 'Gem' grade specimen can be worth $20-$50, while this beach-found juvenile is primarily a sentimental or reference piece.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The shell shows significant weathering and rounding, especially on the nodes, which is common for a beach-washed specimen at Holden Beach. There is visible erosion and some minor pitting characteristic of sea wear.
Interesting Facts
The Lion's Paw is the largest and most robust scallop in the North Atlantic. Historically, the bright orange and purple variants have been highly sought after for decorative arts. Unlike many scallops, they often live in deeper water and are frequently encrusted with sponges or bryozoans.
Ecological Role
A suspension feeder that filters plankton from the water column. It serves as prey for large sea stars, octopuses, and certain species of crabs.
Similar Species
Atlantic Giant Cockle (Dinocardium robustum) which lacks the nodes, or the Rough Scallop (Aequipecten muscosus) which is smaller with sharper scales rather than bulbous nodes.
Beach Finding Tips
Best found after major storms or offshore swells which push deep-water shells toward the coast. Look in the 'shell piles' at low tide, particularly near the East end of Holden Beach or near the inlet.
Notes
Holden Beach, NC