Chlamys hastata

The Pink Scallop

Phylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia
Subclass Lamellibranchia
Superorder Filibranchia
Order Pterioida
Family Pectinidae
Genus Chlamys
Species hastata

Description: Up to 6 cm across; pink, pinkish-gray or cream sometimes with dark patterns arranged concentrically around the shell; oval with upper valve slightly more convex than lower; 50 or so radiating ribs extending from the hinge.; when valves are agape the cream-colored mantle is exposed, with its many small tentacles and small dark eyes at the base.

Habitat: Normally found in deeper water, these scallops are frequently found on floats or docks.

Natural History: They attach to the substrate with a byssus secreted from a gland in the foot. They lie with the right valve down and when the valves are agape it is actively filter-feeding using its ctenidia to collect small food particles. When threatened by predators it can clap its valves together and propel itself away. We found many of these scallops at Boston Harbor Marina.