The Queen Scallop – Aequipecten opercularis is a species of scallop found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. It is a commercially important species and is also popular with recreational divers. The Queen Scallop is easily identifiable by its distinctive, fan-shaped shell and its vibrant color patterns.
Description & Characteristics
The Queen Scallop (Aequipecten opercularis) is a bivalve mollusk with a distinctive, fan-shaped shell. The shell can be up to 15 centimeters in length, and it comes in a variety of colors, including white, cream, pink, and orange. The shell is also marked with concentric ridges that radiate out from the hinge line. The Queen Scallop has a strong, muscular foot that it uses for burrowing in the sediment. It also has a pair of siphons that it uses for filtering food from the water.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Queen Scallop (Aequipecten opercularis) typically inhabits the neritic zone of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, extending from Norway to Senegal. It is found in a variety of habitats, including sandy bottoms, gravel bottoms, and rocky reefs. It prefers depths of 10-100 meters, but can be found in shallower waters.
Taxonomy
The species Aequipecten opercularis belongs to the Class: Bivalvia, Order: Pectinida, and Family: Pectinidae. This family encompasses a variety of scallops, all characterized by their distinct fan-shaped shells and their ability to “swim” by rapidly clapping their shells together.
Feeding
The Queen Scallop (Aequipecten opercularis) is a filter feeder. It uses its siphons to draw water into its body, where it filters out microscopic plankton. This dietary method makes it an integral part of the marine ecosystem.
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