Pecten maximus, the great scallop (above) can grow as large as 15 cm across. Along the edges of its mantle is has finger-like sensory processes, and between many of these are eyes. During its early life it is attached to the substrate by a byssus (strong hair-like filaments), but later in life it is free living and is one of the species of bivalves which can "swim" by clapping its valves (shells) together.
Above is the Noble scallop, Chlamys senatoria nobilis from Japan. Its shell colour is controlled genetically, and can be orange, purple or brown, or a combination of these colours.
Below is the Leather donax, Hecuba scortum, found in the littoral zone, usually in mud and sand in Central Indo-Pacific and South China Sea. Its length can reach 9 cm. The inner surface is a beautiful smooth, glossy violet/pink
Wedding cake venus above is found in the South Australian waters. It is believed that the ridges on the shell help protect it against predatory snails.
Related pages