Share

Variegated scallop

Variegated scallop ©Emily Baxter

Variegated scallop

The shells of this small scallop are often found washed up on our shores and comes in lots of different colours, including pink, red, orange and purple.!

Scientific name

Chlamys varia

When to see

January to December

Species information

Category

Statistics

Length: up to 6cm

Conservation status

Common

Habitats

About

Variegated scallops are found from just below the tidal zone down to depths of 80 metres. They are usually found on rocky seabeds, sometimes attached by byssus threads or hiding inside a kelp's holdfast. Their shells are highly ribbed, with 25-35 radiating ridges and are often covered with pretty patterns.

How to identify

There are various species of scallop, which can be hard to tell apart. This is the most likely to be found washed up on the beach. Its colour is very variable: white, pink, red, orange, yellow or purple, sometimes with pretty patterns on the shell.

Distribution

Found all around UK coasts.

Did you know?

In common with many other shellfish, the variegated scallop starts life off as a male and changes sex several times during its lifetime.