Lion's Paw Scallop [Nodipecten subnodosus]
Description
The Lion's Paw Scallop, scientifically known as Nodipecten subnodosus, is a large scallop species that inhabits the eastern Pacific Ocean. Its range spans from the Gulf of California in Mexico to Peru. This bivalve mollusk is notable for its large, robust shell which can reach up to 15 cm in length. The shell's exterior is characterized by prominent radial ribs and nodes, giving it a 'lion's paw' appearance. The color ranges from white to reddish brown. They are typically found in sandy or muddy bottoms at depths between 10 and 50 meters. The Lion's Paw Scallop is a filter feeder, consuming plankton and other small organisms from the surrounding water.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Clams, Oysters, and Scallops
Bivalvia
|
| Order |
Scallops
Pectinida
|
| Family |
Scallops
Pectinidae
|
| Genus |
Lion's Paw Scallop
Nodipecten
|