Bay Scallop
Argopecten irradians
The scallop of Florida's seagrass bays, rounder and often darker than the calico, with bright blue eyes when alive.
- Typical size
- 1.5–3 in
- How often it turns up
- Common in the Big Bend
- Collecting
- Check local rules
- Handling
- Safe to handle
Empty shells are fine. Taking live bay scallops requires an open season, a licence, and compliance with FWC zone rules.
How to tell it apart
- Nearly equal, deeply ribbed valves
- Grey, brown or near-black upper valve
- Lives in shallow grass rather than offshore
Found one?
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