Description

Quick Stats

Description

The Flying Purple Flame Scallop is a captivating and unique invertebrate known for its bright colors, often displaying vibrant red or orange shells with striking purple “flames” produced by light-reflecting tissue along its mantle. This beautiful scallop can create a dynamic display in marine aquariums, especially when it spreads its tentacles for filter-feeding.

This species is a filter feeder, relying on suspended food particles such as phytoplankton and other microfauna, which makes it challenging to maintain in a home aquarium. It requires regular supplementation of small particulate foods to thrive, and stable, high-quality water conditions are essential. Due to its feeding needs and sensitivity, it is recommended only for advanced aquarists.

The Flying Purple Flame Scallop prefers an environment with plenty of hiding spaces and low to moderate water flow, which mimics its natural habitat in reef crevices and overhangs. While generally peaceful, it is reef-compatible only with caution, as it can sometimes struggle with the flow requirements and competition for food in busy reef tanks.

Adding a Flying Purple Flame Scallop to an aquarium introduces an eye-catching and unusual specimen. However, it is crucial to meet its specific dietary and environmental needs, as it is sensitive to water quality and difficult to sustain long-term in captivity. For those willing to commit to its care, this scallop can offer a visually stunning and fascinating addition to a dedicated invertebrate or advanced reef setup.