Flame Scallop (Lima scabra)

Max Size: 3 inches
Supplements: Calcium, Magnesium, Strontium, Trace Elements
Waterflow: Medium
Lighting: Low
Placement: Bottom to Middle

The Red Flame Scallop, also known as the Flame Scallop or Red File Shell Clam, features a bright red mantel with either red or white tentacles. The scallop's shell is covered with fine bumps, giving it a file-like texture. This species builds a small nest using rocks and coral to embed itself, but this may not offer enough protection in an aquarium setting. When threatened, the Red Flame Scallop can escape by clapping its valves together and propelling itself through the water with the assistance of its tentacles.

This filter-feeding scallop can tolerate other animals as long as they do not try to eat it. It thrives in groups and requires floating micro-plankton to survive in a mature reef aquarium system with proper calcium levels and alkalinity. However, it does not tolerate nitrates or copper-based medications.

As a non-photosynthetic species, the Red Flame Scallop requires supplementation with phytoplankton and organic foods such as Marine Snow or Selcon. Feeding should be done individually using a small pipette or straw to dispense the food upstream of its location.

For optimal nutrition, AlgaGen Acartia tonsa, AlgaGen Pseudodiaptomus pelagicus, AlgaGen Parvocalanus crassirostris, AlgaGen Tangerine Pod, AlgaGen Moina salina, AlgaGen PhycoPure™ Reef Blend, AlgaGen Decap'd Brine™, and AlgaGen Rotifers are recommended for feeding your Red Flame Scallop.