Orange flame scallop

The Flame Scallop (Ctenoides scaber) is a striking bivalve mollusk renowned for its vibrant red mantle and unique appearance. Despite its allure, maintaining this species in a home aquarium presents significant challenges due to its specialized care requirements.

Essential Information:

• Common Names: Flame Scallop, Red Flame Scallop
• Scientific Name: Ctenoides scaber
• Family: Limidae
• Origin/Habitat: Inhabits coral reefs and rocky substrates in the Caribbean Sea and Western Atlantic Ocean.
• Maximum Size: Up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length
• Lifespan: Typically 1–2 years in captivity, though often shorter due to care challenges
• Level of Difficulty: Expert; not recommended for novice aquarists
• Reef Safe: Yes; poses no threat to other reef inhabitants

Appearance & Physical Traits:

• Coloration & Pattern: Features a vivid red mantle with elongated tentacles extending from the shell's opening, creating a flame-like appearance.
• Body Shape & Structure: Possesses a typical scallop-shaped, hinged shell with a series of fine ridges.

Habitat & Environmental Needs:

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters)
• Water Temperature: 72–78°F (22–25.5°C)
• pH Level: 8.1–8.4
• Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.025
• Aquascape: Requires ample live rock formations to provide crevices and shaded areas, mimicking its natural habitat. Prefers low to moderate water flow to facilitate filter feeding without causing dislodgement.

Diet & Feeding:

• Diet Type: Non-photosynthetic filter feeder
• Preferred Foods: Primarily consumes phytoplankton and, to a lesser extent, zooplankton. In captivity, regular feedings of live or commercially prepared phytoplankton are essential.
• Feeding Frequency: Due to their constant filter-feeding nature, maintaining a consistent presence of suitable planktonic food in the water column is crucial. This may necessitate multiple daily feedings or a continuous feeding system.

Behavior & Compatibility:

• Temperament: Non-aggressive and peaceful
• Social Behavior: Solitary; does not require companions and may retract into its shell when threatened or exposed to sudden changes in light or water movement.
• Tank Mate Compatibility: Compatible with most reef-safe fish and invertebrates. Avoid housing with species known to prey on bivalves, such as certain wrasses and puffers.
• Activity Level: Sessile; remains stationary within its chosen crevice, extending its tentacles to filter feed.

Care Considerations & Additional Notes:

• Ease of Care: Highly sensitive to water quality fluctuations and requires pristine conditions. Regular monitoring of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate levels is essential.
• Special Requirements: Due to its non-photosynthetic nature, the Flame Scallop relies entirely on filter feeding for nutrition. Maintaining an adequate and consistent food supply can be challenging and may impact overall water quality.
• Breeding Info: Reproduction in captivity is rare and not well-documented. In the wild, they are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column.
• Additional Notes: The Flame Scallop's sensitivity to light and water movement necessitates careful placement within the aquarium. Providing shaded areas and ensuring stable water parameters are crucial for its well-being.