Argopecten irradians

Argopecten irradians, commonly known as the Atlantic bay scallop, is a species of bivalve mollusk that belongs to the family Pectinidae. This species is native to the western Atlantic coast, ranging from New England to the Gulf of Mexico.

Description

The Argopecten irradians is a small scallop, with a maximum shell height of approximately 100 millimeters. The shell is fan-shaped and features a series of radial ribs. The color of the shell can vary, but it is typically a light gray or cream color, often with darker stripes or patches.

Habitat and Distribution

The Argopecten irradians prefers shallow, coastal waters and is often found in seagrass beds. It is a common species along the Atlantic coast of North America, from Cape Cod to the Gulf of Mexico. It is also found in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

Life Cycle and Behavior

The Argopecten irradians is a free-spawning species, meaning that males and females release their gametes into the water where fertilization occurs. The resulting larvae are planktonic and drift with the currents until they are ready to settle on the seafloor. Adult Argopecten irradians are capable of swimming by rapidly opening and closing their shells, a behavior known as "clapping".

Economic Importance

The Argopecten irradians is commercially harvested for its meat and is a popular seafood item. It is also used in aquaculture and is often farmed for commercial sale.

Conservation

While the Argopecten irradians is not currently listed as an endangered species, it is vulnerable to habitat loss and pollution. Overfishing is also a concern, and management measures are in place in many areas to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.

See Also

• Pectinidae
• Aquaculture
• Bivalvia

References

• World Register of Marine Species: Argopecten irradians
• NOAA Fisheries: Atlantic Sea Scallop