The bay scallop (Argopecten irradians) is a fascinating member of the bivalve family, known for its two-part shell. These small but mighty creatures grow to about two inches and boast an array of tiny blue eyes along the edge of their shell that detect movement and warn of approaching predators. When the water becomes too silty, or predators are near, they close their shells to protect their delicate gills.

Bay scallops are more than just a pretty shell. As filter feeders, they continuously clean the bay's water by filtering out small particles of algae and organic matter. This not only benefits the water quality but also provides a crucial food source for bay crabs and other species. Bay scallops are incredibly sensitive to pollution, earning them the nickname “underwater canaries.” Their presence and health can signal changes in water quality, making them essential for monitoring the bay’s ecosystem.

Red tides, heavy rainfall, and storms can significantly impact scallop populations. In the early 1960s, bay scallops vanished from Tampa Bay due to severe pollution from dredging and industrial waste. However, improved water quality and healthier seagrass beds have helped the scallop population make a comeback.

An adult bay scallop can filter as much as 14.7 liters of water per hour—that’s over 90 gallons of water a day! This is what makes them great indicators of the health of our bay, they require clear, salty water and seagrass habitats to fluoirsh. More scallops, better bay health!

Bay Scallops are found along Florida’s west coast and up to West Palm Beach on the east coast.

Unlike clams, which can live up to 40 years, bay scallops have a short lifespan of just 12-18 months! Bay scallops develop both male and female sex organs, producing both sperm and eggs. Despite releasing around 12 million eggs, only one may survive to adulthood.