CHLAMYS OPERCULARIS

The species Chlamys opercularis can reach a maximum length of 11 cm.

These bivalve mollusks belong to the Pectinidae family and are characterized by:

1. a slightly inequivalve shell, rounded and subequilateral in shape, with lots of internal space;
2. the left valve being more convex than the right;
3. both valves having auricles, with the left auricle being larger than the right;
4. each auricle showing 4 to 6 radial ribs, and small teeth along the byssal notch.

The radial ribs on the outer surface of the shell are particularly pronounced: they range from a minimum of 16 to a maximum of 25, radiating from the hinge line and spaced similarly to the width of the intercostal areas. There are also secondary radial ribs, which are less prominent.

The external coloration can be found in whitish-red, red, yellow and it often has dark spots. The inner coloring is especially vivid on the left valve.

This species shares a similar habitat with other scallops: they prefer sandy seabeds, thrive in marine environments and favor deeper waters (typically not found at depths shallower than 10 meters).

It is primarily distributed in the Mediterranean Sea (with a notable presence in the Adriatic) and in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean (from Norway to Morocco, including the Canary Islands).

The most remarkable trait of Chlamys opercularis? Its ability to move quickly from place to place and its high agility in escaping predators, often by hiding into the seabed.