Pecten
Pecten is a genus of saltwater clams, marine bivalve mollusks in the family Pectinidae, the scallops. The genus is widespread, with many species found in shallow water environments around the world, including the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. The genus has been recognized since the mid-18th century. It includes many well-known edible species, such as the European scallop, the bay scallop, and the giant scallop.
Common Names
Species in the genus Pecten are commonly known as scallops, which is a general term for many types of bivalves in the family Pectinidae. Specific common names for species in the genus include the European scallop, the bay scallop, the giant scallop, and the king scallop.
Characteristics
Scallops in the genus Pecten are characterized by their distinctive fan-shaped shells, which are typically ribbed and have a prominent umbo (the highest point of the shell). They also have a distinctive mantle margin, which is a fleshy flap around the edge of the shell that is used for swimming. Scallops are known for their ability to swim by clapping their shells together, which propels them through the water. Some species can reach a considerable size, with some scallops in the genus Pecten exceeding 15 cm in length.
Environment
Scallops in the genus Pecten live in a variety of marine environments, including shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and deeper ocean floors. They typically inhabit sandy or muddy bottoms, where they bury themselves partially in the sediment. Some species are epifaunal, meaning they live attached to surfaces like rocks or seaweed.