Bay scallops have rounded, corrugated shells with a pair of pointed “ears” at the hinge. (Ryan Somma/Flickr)
Bay scallop shells vary in color from gray or purple to reddish-brown. They are often found on sandy beaches throughout the lower Chesapeake Bay. (Nathan Wilson/Flickr)
The bay scallop is a bivalve that lives in the lower Chesapeake Bay’s salty, shallow waters. Its ribbed, multicolored shells are often found on beaches throughout the lower Bay.
Appearance
Bay scallops have rounded, corrugated shells that vary in color from gray or purple to reddish-brown. The interior of the shell is white, often with purple near the hinge. A pair of pointed “ears” appear at the shell's hinge. Scallops have short tentacles and 30 to 40 blue eyes around the edge of their shells. Unlike most other bivalves, bay scallops lack a foot or siphon. These scallops grow to 3 inches in diameter.
Feeding
Scallops are filter feeders, drawing water through their gills and filtering out plankton.
Predators
Sea stars and other bottom-feeders prey upon bay scallops. They use their eyes to detect nearby predators.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Scallops reach sexual maturity around age one. Spawning occurs in summer. Young scallops attach themselves to eelgrass and other objects by thin threads. They eventually drop to the bottom as they grow. Bay scallops will live approximately two years.
Did You Know?
- Each eye has a lens, retina, cornea and optic nerve, enabling the scallop to see movement and shadows.
- Scallops move by rapidly clapping their shells together, forcibly ejecting water from the cavity. This is different than most other bivalves, which use a foot to move.
Sources and Additional Information
- Argopecten irradians concentrictus – Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce
- Atlantic Bay Scallop – The Assateague Naturalist
- Bay Scallop – University of Rhode Island
Quick Facts
Species
Native
-
Habitat
Shallow waters, usually among eelgrass beds. Unlike other bivalves, bay scallops lie on the bottom, rather than burrowing under the sand. Their shells are often found on sandy beaches.
-
Range
Lives in the salty waters of the lower Chesapeake Bay.
-
Diet
Filter feeders
-
Lifespan
Up to 2 years
-
Status
Stable
