Flame Scallop - Lima scabra

The Flame Scallop generally has a brown or white shell coloration with orange-red or white eye-lash-like tentacles that protrude from the red mantle. These differences vary between individuals.

Despite the common name, these are not true scallops but are actually from a group commonly known as "file clams" due to their rough, textured shells. They are filter feeders and need lots of food to thrive and do best in a well-filtered aquarium that can maintain pristine water conditions while providing enough food. Do not keep with fish or invertebrates that may pick at the sensitive mantle of this animal. When threatened, the two halves of the shell will close up tightly and the animal may "swim" around the tank by propelling itself with jets of water. They may attach themselves to a surface with thin, strong byssal threads and should not be removed once attached.