Electric Flame Scallop EXPERT ONLY

The Electric Flame Scallop, also known as the Red Electric Flame Scallop, is one of the most fascinating ornamental marine invertebrates. It features a brilliant red mantle surrounded by vivid red tentacles, creating a spectacular appearance when positioned among live rock in a mature reef aquarium.

Its most remarkable feature is the bright, lightning-like flashing effect that appears to travel along the edge of the mantle. Despite its electrical appearance, this phenomenon is actually produced by specialized reflective tissue rather than a true electrical discharge. The flashes can be especially impressive under lower aquarium lighting.

The shell has a finely textured surface and the scallop commonly settles into protected areas among rocks and coral rubble, where it may attach itself and establish a sheltered resting place.

• Brilliant red mantle surrounded by attractive red tentacles.
• Produces a spectacular lightning-like flashing effect along the mantle.
• Peaceful and compatible with suitable reef inhabitants.
• Can establish a sheltered resting place among rocks and coral rubble.
• May be maintained with other Flame Scallops when adequate food and space are available.

• Best maintained in a mature and biologically established reef aquarium.
• Provide live rock, caves, and protected areas where the scallop can settle.
• Stable calcium and alkalinity levels are important for maintaining its shell.
• Excellent and stable water quality is essential.
• Keep nitrate levels as low as practical and avoid sudden changes in water parameters.
• Never expose this species to copper-based medications.

When threatened, the Electric Flame Scallop can rapidly clap its shell valves together, producing jets of water that propel it away from danger. Because it may relocate itself, it should be allowed to choose a protected resting location rather than being permanently wedged into the rockwork.

The Electric Flame Scallop is a specialized filter feeder and requires regular access to very small suspended foods. Long-term success depends heavily on providing appropriate nutrition, making this species better suited to experienced reef keepers.

Recommended foods include:

• Marine phytoplankton.
• Microplankton and appropriately sized zooplankton.
• Rotifers.
• Copepod nauplii and other very small planktonic foods.
• High-quality liquid or suspended foods formulated for filter-feeding marine invertebrates.

Food can be gently introduced into the water flow upstream from the scallop so that suspended particles naturally pass across its feeding structures. When several scallops are maintained together, care should be taken to ensure that each individual receives adequate nutrition.