Flexopecten
Flexopecten is a genus of scallops, bivalve mollusks in the family Pectinidae. They are found in the Pacific Ocean, particularly in the northeast Pacific.
Common Names
Common names for species within the genus Flexopecten include:
- Giant Pacific scallop (Flexopecten yessoensis)
- Weathervane scallop (Flexopecten circularis)
Characteristics
Flexopecten scallops are characterized by their large size, with some species reaching over 20 cm in diameter. Their shells are typically smooth and rounded, with a distinctive "weathervane" pattern of radial ribs. They have a single, large adductor muscle, which is used to close the shell. Like other scallops, they are able to swim by rapidly clapping their shells together, propelling themselves through the water.
Environments
Flexopecten scallops inhabit a variety of marine environments, including sandy bottoms, rocky reefs, and kelp forests. They are often found in relatively shallow waters, but some species can live at depths of over 100 meters.
References
For more information about Flexopecten, please see the following resources: