Lima Scabra (Flame Scallop)

The Red Flame Scallop, also called Flame Scallop or Red File Shell Clam, has a bright red mantle with red or white tentacles. The shell of the different Flame Scallops is covered with fine bobb...

The Red Flame Scallop, also called Flame Scallop or Red File Shell Clam, has a bright red mantle with red or white tentacles. The shell of the different Flame Scallops is covered with fine bumps, making it feel like a file.

The Red Flame Scallop builds a small nest of small stones and pieces of coral in which to nestle. In an aquarium, this may not provide much protection. When threatened, it can escape by snapping its flaps together and propelling it through the water, using its tentacles. It tolerates all animals that don't try to eat it and can be kept in groups. It is a filter feeder and requires floating microplankton to stay alive in the aquarium, and will do best in a mature reef aquarium system. It also needs good calcium and alkalinity. It does not tolerate nitrates or copper-based drugs.

The scallop is non-photosynthetic and requires supplementation with phytoplankton and organic food (Marine Snow or Selcon) supplied by using a small pipette/straw to deliver the food upstream from its location. Each Red Flame Scallop should be fed separately.

Characteristics

• Not for beginners
• Supplement with dust food or frozen food
• Keep in a quiet aquarium