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Shell

Bay Scallop

A grass-flat scallop of the U.S. east and Gulf coasts — the classic seagrass forager whose harvest still shapes Florida coastal summers.

Argopecten irradians · Pectinidae

How to identify a bay scallop

Rounded fan 2–3 inches across with about 17–20 broad radiating ribs and prominent equal auricles. Upper valve mottled grey-brown to greenish; lower valve paler.

  • Broad ribs — roughly 17–20 across the fan
  • Equal auricles at the hinge
  • Upper valve darker than lower valve
Family
Pectinidae
Class
Bivalve
Regions
East Coast · Gulf Coast
Habitat
Grass Flats · Shallow Subtidal
Collector level
Beginner

Collect with care

  • Live-scallop harvest is regulated in Florida — check FWC scallop season rules before collecting live animals.

Where to look

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