Electric Flame Scallop (Lima sp.)

Species Name : Lima sp.

Care Level : Expert Only

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Red, White

Diet : Filter Feeder

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025

Max. Size : 3"

Origin : Indo-Pacific

Family : Limidae

Supplements : Magnesium, Strontium, Iodine, Trace Elements

The Electric Flame Scallop (Lima sp.), inhabits the waters of the Indo-Pacific, ranges in size from 1 inch to 3 inches when reaching maturity and is instantly recognizable by its soft parts being a flame red color, with several bright red tentacles protruding from the open valves (shell). The mantel of this species seems to create electricity which can be seen shooting across the mantel like lightning bolts. These surges of electricity are bright enough to be seen in the aquarium when the lights are off. The shell of the various Flame Scallops is covered with fine bumps, making it feel like a file.

The Electric Flame Scallop builds a small nest of small rocks and pieces of coral in which it embeds itself. In an aquarium, this may not offer much protection. When threatened, it may escape by clapping its valves together, propelling it through the water, with assistance from its tentacles. It is advised to put them at the bottom near the rock structure. This way, they can put their foot in and get plenty of good current coming towards them to help them catch the phytoplankton.

They are peaceful, can be kept in multiples, and should not be housed with aggressive tank mates. It is a filter feeder, and requires floating micro-plankton to be kept alive in the aquarium, and will do best in a mature reef aquarium system.

It also needs proper calcium levels and alkalinity. It does not tolerate nitrates or copper-based medications.

It requires supplementation with phytoplankton, and organic foods (Marine Snow or Selcon) provided by using a small pipette/straw to dispense the food upstream of its location. Each Electric Flame Scallop needs to be fed individually.

Size: 1" to 2-1/2"