The Flame Scallop is one of the most striking and unique invertebrates available in the saltwater aquarium hobby. With its brilliant red mantle and mesmerizing electric-like feeding tentacles, this fascinating bivalve is sure to become a conversation piece in any reef aquarium. Often found tucked into rock crevices, Flame Scallops create a dramatic display as they extend their vibrant mantle and feeding appendages into the water column.
Their ability to rapidly clap their shells together to swim away from danger makes them one of the most interesting invertebrates to observe in a marine aquarium.
At My Tiny Fins, we carefully select healthy livestock and package every order with care. We proudly offer a Live Arrival Guarantee and primarily ship livestock on Mondays and Tuesdays to ensure the safest delivery possible.
Care Information –
Scientific Name: Ctenoides scaber
Common Name: Flame Scallop
Care Level: Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Filter Feeder
Reef Safe: Yes
Adult Size: Up to 4 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature: 76–80°F
Salinity: 1.023–1.026
Care Tips –
– Best suited for mature, well-established aquariums with abundant suspended plankton and dissolved nutrients.
– Requires regular feedings of phytoplankton and other fine particulate foods to thrive long-term.
– Provide rockwork with caves, overhangs, and shaded areas where the scallop can securely attach itself.
– Maintain stable water quality and avoid sudden changes in salinity or temperature.
– Moderate water flow helps deliver food particles while preventing detritus buildup around the animal.
– Monitor closely, as Flame Scallops can be challenging to sustain in nutrient-poor reef systems.
Fun Fact –
Sespite their name, the “electric” flashes seen along the mantle of a Flame Scallop are not actually electricity. These flashing displays are created by specialized reflective structures that produce a shimmering effect unlike almost anything else found in a reef aquarium.
Why You’ll Love Them –
– Stunning bright red coloration
– Unique flashing mantle display
– Reef-safe and peaceful
– Fascinating filter-feeding behavior
– Rare and eye-catching display invertebrate
Important Note: Flame Scallops are considered an advanced-care species due to their specialized feeding requirements. They are best suited for hobbyists with mature reef aquariums and experience maintaining filter-feeding invertebrates.
Live Arrival Guarantee: We stand behind the quality of our livestock and offer a Live Arrival Guarantee. Please review our policy for complete details. Livestock shipments are typically shipped on Mondays and Tuesdays to ensure the safest and fastest delivery possible.
The Flame Scallop is a truly unique marine invertebrate that adds vibrant color, fascinating behavior, and a touch of the extraordinary to any established reef aquarium. 🔥🐚🌊🐠
