Lion's Paw Scallop (Fragment)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia, Order: Pectinida, Family: Pectinidae, Genus: Nodipecten, Species: Nodipecten nodosus · Pectinidae (Scallop family) · Bivalve (fragment, fan/disc shape)
Species
Nodipecten nodosus
Shell Type
Bivalve (fragment, fan/disc shape)
Family
Pectinidae (Scallop family)
Size
Approximately 1 inch across (fragment). Whole adults typically range from 4 to 6 inches.
Color & Pattern
Vibrant reddish-pink base coloration with raised white ribbing and nodular features. Colors appear natural but weathered.
Rarity
Common as fragments, but whole specimens are considered uncommon to rare finds for beachcombers.
Habitat
Shallow subtidal waters, attached to hard substrates or living freely on sandy bottoms among coral rubble and seagrass beds.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic, ranging from North Carolina through the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and down to Brazil.
Description
This is a fragment of a Lion's Paw Scallop, showcasing the characteristic heavy radial ribs and distinctive knobby nodes. The texture is rough and calcified, displaying a rich, warm salmon-pink and white coloration typical of the species.
Key Features
Prominent raised radial ribs featuring distinct knobs or nodes along the surface, heavy and sturdy shell structure, and a deep reddish-pink coloration.
Collector Value
Low value due to the fragmentary condition. Whole, gem-quality specimens can command high prices among collectors.
Condition Notes
Highly worn, broken fragment with smoothed edges indicating significant wave action and tumbling. Collectibility grade is Poor due to incomplete status.
Interesting Facts
Lion's paws are known for their ability to swim short distances by rapidly clapping their valves together to expel water when threatened.
Ecological Role
Acts as a filter feeder helping to maintain water quality, and serves as an important food source for marine predators like sea stars, octopuses, and fish.
Similar Species
Atlantic Calico Scallop (Argopecten gibbus) or Rough Scallop (Aequipecten muscosus), which lack the distinct heavy nodes of Nodipecten nodosus.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along high-tide wrack lines after storms in the Caribbean or southern Florida where shell fragments accumulate.