MO. 65 PECTEN (King Scallop)

 

Phylum: Mollusca

Class: Bivalvia

Order: Pectinida

Family: Pectinidae

Genus: Pecten

 

Description:

      Scallops, classified under the family Pectinidae within the class Bivalvia, are renowned for their iconic fan-shaped shells, which often come in various colors and are marked by distinct ribbing. These marine mollusks primarily inhabit oceanic and coastal environments, favoring sandy or muddy seabed for habitation. Scallops are proficient filter feeders, subsisting on a diet of plankton and tiny marine organisms. They reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the water, where fertilization takes place, leading to the settlement of larval scallops on the seabed. Beyond their ecological role, scallops hold substantial economic importance as prized seafood, frequently featured in diverse culinary creations. Sustainable harvesting practices are vital to safeguard scallop populations, while their distinctive swimming behavior has piqued scientific curiosity, inviting investigation in marine biology and biomechanics.

 

IUCN Status: Not evaluated.