Scientific name:

Pecten maximus

About:

A large clam-like shell, with radiating ridges and characteristic scallop ‘wings’ by the hinge. Grows up to 15cm long. Normally a pale orangey colour on the outside, deep brownish maroon on the inside, paler to white near the middle. Scallops live on sandy and gravelly seabeds, and move about by snapping their shells shut sending a jet of water out.

How to identify:

<p>Also known as the King Scallop, told from all other scallops by its large size and symmetrical ‘wings’</p>

Where:

Found around the south and west coasts.

Fantastic facts:

The scallop is the traditional symbol of St James, and is worn by pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain.