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Mediterranean scallop

Distribution : Mediterranean soft bottoms, usual 15–50 m interval described by DORIS. Distinct from Pecten maximus.

Mediterranean scallops filter water to feed. Small eyes around the shell edge sense their surroundings. Watch the tissues along the shell edge without touching to provoke movement.

Habitat of Mediterranean scallop Habitat
Sand, Mud, Detrital bottom
Depth range of Mediterranean scallop Depth
15-50 m
Biological group of Mediterranean scallop Group
Ecological role of Mediterranean scallop Role
Filter feeder

📏 Size

Shell up to 15 cm according to DORIS

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The Mediterranean scallop has unequal valves: the creamy convex right valve supports the animal, while the left is flat and usually brown. Hinge ears are equal. Fourteen to sixteen angular radiating ribs structure the shell. Numerous eyes and sensory tentacles line the mantle. Maximum length is around fifteen centimetres.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It lives on loose Mediterranean seabeds of sand, mud and shell sand, which contains broken shells. It is usually found at depths of 15–50 metres. The shell rests on the bottom, where water brings food within reach.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It feeds by filtering water. It retains organic particles, small fragments from living things, and plankton, organisms drifting in the water. Microscopic algae are an important part of this food. Water therefore brings a meal to the animal resting on the seabed.

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Mediterranean scallop

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