| Flame scallop | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Bivalvia |
| Subclass: | Pteriomorphia |
| Order: | Limoida |
| Family: | Limidae |
| Genus: | Lima |
| Species: | L. scabra |
| Binomial name | |
| Lima scabra Born, 1778 |
|
The flame scallop or rough fileclam, Lima scabra, is a marine bivalve mollusc in the family Limidae. Although their name would suggest otherwise, flame scallops have no relation to scallops, besides their exterior. The flame scallop is found in the Caribbean Sea.
Contents |
Flame scallops have a rough outer shell with a red mantle. Surrounding the mantle are red and white tentacles. The flame scallop's vibrant red color is due to the large amount of carotenoids found within their body. Flame scallops can reach 3 in long. The gills are used for respiration and filtration.
Flame scallops rest in their own nests made of small coral and rocks. Because flame scallops have no photosynthetic properties, the herbivorous flame scallops eat only phytoplankton. During the consumption process, flame scallops sift and sort through the phytoplankton with their gills to determine what is appropriate for ingestion.
To escape predators or harm, the flame scallop’s valves are used. Flame scallops push their valves together to propel themselves away from dangerous situations. Their predators are crabs and shrimp.
"Lima scabra". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=79819. Retrieved 04 Mar 2007.