Red Scallop

The Red Scallop has an attractive shell banded in white and red. Its mantel does not extend beyond the shell and may be dark to light red or orange. It can open and close its shell to move itself and find a shady cave to live in. Once it is comfortable it sends out threads from its foot to secure itself. It is a peaceful filter feeding animal which requires additions of phytoplankton in order to thrive. It may be pestered by predatory snails and crabs, and some fish that may nip on its mantle such as angelfish and butterflyfish. It may grow up to 3.5 inches.