Description:
The calico scallop is one of the more colorful bivalves inhabiting the Indian River Lagoon.  Its valves are generally deep and equal, with 20 radiating ribs dividing the shell.  Body color varies, but typically is whitish overall, with markings of various shades of red, lavender and purple.  Wings lateral to the hinge of the shell are equal in length.  Calico scallops may reach 2 inches. 

Habitat:
Typical habitat is open marine or saline estuarine waters from the subtidal zone to 1200 feet.

Similar Species:
In the IRL, the rough scallop, Aequipecten muscosus, may be mistaken for the calico scallop.  However, the rough scallop has unequal wings and sharp scales on lower surface of the ribs, with shell color ranging into shades of yellow and brown.  In south Florida, the nucleus scallop, Argopecten nucleus,  is similar in size and overall appearance to the calico scallop.  It, however, grows to only 1 1/2 inches and has 1-2 more radial ribs on the shell surface.  Shell color of A. nucleus ranges into shades of chestnut brown.

Range:
The range of the calico scallop extends from Maryland to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, south to Brazil.  Bermuda and much of the Caribbean are also included in the range.