Species profile
Atlantic Calico Scallop
Argopecten gibbus
Identify Atlantic Calico Scallop (Argopecten gibbus) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 4 jurisdictions.
At a glance
Atlantic Calico Scallop (Argopecten gibbus) is a bivalve mollusk regulated in 4 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 24 (Oregon); the most generous is 100 (Federal Waters (DFO)).
Confirmed by 3,214 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Has dozens of tiny blue eyes lining its mantle that detect light and approaching movement.
- Escapes predators by rapidly clapping its shells to jet-propel itself through the water.
- Shell colors range widely — orange, red, purple, and brown — giving it the calico name.
- Commercially harvested mainly off the Carolinas and in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Shells typically reach about 2 inches across.
Where Atlantic Calico Scallop are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Atlantic Calico Scallop
Background
The Atlantic calico scallop, Argopecten gibbus, is a species of medium-sized edible marine bivalve mollusk in the family Pectinidae, the scallops.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Atlantic Calico Scallop article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other clams/oysters/mussels on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Atlantic Calico Scallop?
Atlantic Calico Scallop (Argopecten gibbus) is a bivalve mollusk regulated in 4 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Atlantic Calico Scallop?
Atlantic Calico Scallop is Argopecten gibbus.
Is Atlantic Calico Scallop regulated for fishing?
Yes — Atlantic Calico Scallop has fishing regulations in 4 U.S. states and/or Canadian provinces tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Atlantic Calico Scallop?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Atlantic Calico Scallop along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.