Flame Scallops: The Flashy Filter Feeders

Reef aquariums are celebrated for their vibrant diversity and the fascinating behaviours of their inhabitants. Among the many captivating species that can add a splash of colour and activity to a reef tank, flame scallops stand out as one of the most striking. Known for their vivid colours and unique movement, flame scallops are a favourite among marine enthusiasts. This guide will delve into the vibrant colours and unique movement of flame scallops, as well as their care requirements in a reef aquarium.

What Are Flame Scallops?

Flame scallops, also known as electric scallops or disco clams, belong to the family Limidae. The most commonly kept species in the aquarium trade is Ctenoides scaber. These bivalve mollusks are noted for their striking appearance and dynamic behaviour.

Key Characteristics:

• Appearance: Flame scallops have a brilliant red mantle adorned with long, fleshy tentacles that can extend and retract. The edge of the mantle often exhibits a flashing light display, created by reflective tissues.
• Size: They typically reach sizes of up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length.
• Habitat: In the wild, they are found in crevices and under overhangs in coral reefs, often in areas with strong water movement.

Vibrant Colours and Unique Movement

The most remarkable features of flame scallops are their vibrant colours and unique movements. These traits make them a visually stunning addition to any reef aquarium.

Vibrant Colours:

• Mantle: The bright red colour of the flame scallop’s mantle is due to the presence of carotenoid pigments. This vivid hue helps them stand out against the more muted colours of their surroundings.
• Tentacles: The tentacles extending from the edge of the mantle are also red, enhancing their striking appearance. These tentacles are used for sensing the environment and for capturing food particles from the water.

Unique Movement:

• Flashing Light Display: Flame scallops are renowned for their flashing light display, which is created by the rapid movement of reflective tissues along the mantle edge. This bioluminescent effect can be seen as a series of flashes or waves of light.

• Swimming: Unlike many other bivalves, flame scallops can swim by clapping their shells together. This movement is often used to escape predators or to relocate within the reef. The swimming action is facilitated by a strong adductor muscle that allows rapid shell closure.

Care Requirements for Flame Scallops in a Reef Aquarium

Successfully keeping flame scallops in a reef aquarium requires careful attention to their specific needs and environmental conditions.

Tank Setup and Environment

1. Tank Size:
• A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended to provide sufficient space and stable water conditions.
2. Substrate and Rockwork:
• Provide plenty of live rock and crevices where flame scallops can attach themselves. They prefer shaded or partially hidden locations, mimicking their natural habitat in the wild.
3. Water Parameters:
• Maintain stable water conditions with temperatures between 72-78°F (22-26°C), salinity levels of 1.023-1.025 specific gravity, and a pH of 8.1-8.4.
• Regular water changes and efficient filtration are crucial to maintaining high water quality.
4. Lighting:
• Moderate lighting is sufficient for flame scallops. While they do not rely on light for photosynthesis, proper lighting will support the health of other tank inhabitants and contribute to the overall aesthetics of the aquarium.
5. Water Flow:
• Provide moderate to strong water flow to ensure a continuous supply of plankton and organic particles for the flame scallops to filter feed. Avoid placing them directly in the path of strong currents that could dislodge them.

Feeding and Nutrition

1. Plankton Supplements:
• Flame scallops are filter feeders, relying on plankton and suspended organic matter. Supplement their diet with commercially available phytoplankton and zooplankton products.
• Regularly add these supplements to the tank water to ensure the flame scallops have access to sufficient food.

2. Natural Plankton:
• Encourage the growth of natural plankton populations within the tank by maintaining a healthy and diverse ecosystem. This provides a more consistent and natural food source for the flame scallops.

Compatibility with Other Tank Inhabitants

1. Fish:
• Flame scallops are generally compatible with a variety of reef-safe fish. Avoid housing them with species that may disturb or prey on them.
2. Invertebrates:
• Most reef-safe invertebrates can coexist peacefully with flame scallops. Be cautious with species that may compete for space or food.
3. Corals and Other Sessile Invertebrates:
• Ensure there is ample space for both flame scallops and corals to thrive without overcrowding. Monitor interactions to prevent competition for attachment sites.

Challenges and Considerations

While flame scallops offer numerous benefits to reef aquariums, they also come with several challenges and considerations:

1. Sensitivity to Water Quality:
• Flame scallops are highly sensitive to changes in water quality and can be negatively affected by poor conditions. Regular monitoring and maintenance are essential to prevent stress and health issues.
2. Feeding Needs:
• Ensuring flame scallops receive adequate nutrition can be challenging, especially in tanks with low natural plankton levels. Consistent supplementation is necessary to meet their dietary requirements.
3. Attachment and Stability:
• Flame scallops need stable surfaces for attachment. Ensure that rocks and substrates are secure to prevent dislodgement, which can be fatal for these sessile organisms.

Ecological Role and Benefits

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, flame scallops play a significant role in maintaining the health of reef ecosystems through their filter-feeding activities.

1. Filter Feeding:
• Flame scallops help maintain water clarity and quality by filtering out plankton and organic particles from the water column. This process reduces the load of suspended particles, benefiting other tank inhabitants.
2. Nutrient Cycling:
• By consuming and processing organic matter, flame scallops contribute to nutrient cycling within the reef environment. Their waste products provide nutrients that support the growth of other organisms, including bacteria, algae, and corals.
3. Habitat Formation:
• Flame scallops can provide habitat and shelter for a variety of small marine organisms, including fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Their presence adds to the complexity and biodiversity of the reef, enhancing its ecological resilience and stability.

Conclusion

Flame scallops, with their vibrant colours and unique movements, are a captivating addition to reef aquariums. Their role as efficient filter feeders and contributors to nutrient cycling underscores their ecological importance.

By understanding their specific needs and providing appropriate care, aquarists can enjoy the beauty and functionality of flame scallops in their reef tanks. Whether you are a seasoned aquarist or new to the hobby, incorporating flame scallops into your reef aquarium can enhance the health, biodiversity, and aesthetic appeal of your underwater ecosystem.