Otis Singleton
Electric flame scallops, also known as file clams, are bivalves native to the Indo-Pacific. They are known for their flashing displays, which are produced by reflecting light with tiny silica spheres. These scallops are challenging to keep in captivity due to their specific nutritional requirements and tendency to favour hidden recesses. In this discussion, we will explore the factors that influence the survival of electric flame scallops in aquariums and provide insights into their care and maintenance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other names | File clam, flashing scallop |
| Scientific name | Ctenoides ales |
| Appearance | White shells, red to orange-red tissues, long tapering red or white tentacles |
| Size | 3-4 inches in diameter |
| Diet | Microscopic organisms, phytoplankton, diatoms, plankton-based feeds, marine snow |
| Habitat | Caribbean, Indo-Pacific |
| Lifespan | 1-2 years in captivity, 10 years in the wild |
| Water conditions | sg 1.023-1.025, temperature of 72-78°F, pH of 8.1-8.4 |
| Tank size | Minimum of 20 gallons |
| Behavior | Peaceful, prefers secluded areas with low light and moderate water flow |
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What You'll Learn
Electric flame scallops are not true scallops
Electric flame scallops, also known as C. ales, are not true scallops. They are, in fact, a type of file clam. This is because, unlike scallops, clams swim backwards, whereas scallops swim forwards. Electric flame scallops are bivalves, meaning they have two shells that they clap open and closed to swim.
The direction of swimming is not the only defining characteristic of true scallops. Electric flame scallops are also set apart from true scallops by their diet and feeding habits. They are filter feeders and require a special diet to survive for extended periods. In particular, they are known to feed on phytoplankton and zooplankton. However, it is difficult to determine whether they are ingesting the plankton offered and if they are getting enough nutrition from it. As a result, most specimens starve to death within a few months in captivity.
Another differentiating factor is their preference for hidden recesses and subdued lighting. Electric flame scallops tend to seek out crevices in rocks, making them difficult to spot. They also produce a flashing display on their mantle lip, resembling flickering electricity, which has earned them the moniker of "electric". This flashing effect is achieved not through bioluminescence but by reflecting light with tiny silica spheres.
Overall, electric flame scallops are not true scallops due to their swimming direction, diet, feeding habits, and behavioural characteristics. They are a type of file clam that presents unique challenges in captivity due to their specific nutritional and environmental needs.
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They are difficult to care for
Electric flame scallops are difficult to care for and are not suitable for inexperienced hobbyists. They are demanding and require a consistent supply of adequately sized foods to survive. In their natural environment, they feed on phytoplankton and other microscopic organisms, which need to be provided in a home aquarium to sustain them. Their diet can be supplemented with specialised liquid foods, such as marine snow and plankton-based feeds.
One of the difficulties with keeping electric flame scallops is their specific diet. They require a constant supply of small particulate matter, and it is challenging to determine whether the scallop is actually ingesting the plankton offered—or if it is getting enough nutrition from the food. As a result, most specimens starve to death within a few months in captivity.
Another issue is that they tend to favour hidden recesses and subdued lighting. Coupled with their ability to swim by clapping their shells open and closed, specimens kept in aquariums often ""wander"" into regions of the tank where they are hard to reach or see, further complicating feeding.
Electric flame scallops are highly sensitive to changes in water conditions and require a stable environment with specific parameters, including a temperature of 72-78°F and a pH of 8.1-8.4. They also need pristine water quality, and their tank should be relatively nutrient-rich. Due to these specific requirements, they are challenging to care for and are best left to dedicated, expert hobbyists.
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They are poor eaters
Electric flame scallops are filter feeders and require planktonic foods, such as phytoplankton and zooplankton. They are messy eaters and require good filtration systems. However, it is challenging to determine whether the scallop is ingesting the plankton offered and getting enough nutrition. Most specimens starve to death within a few months in captivity.
One issue with these bivalves is that they tend to favour hidden recesses and subdued lighting. They can swim by clapping their shells open and closed, which means they can wander into regions of the tank that are difficult to reach or see, further complicating feeding.
In addition, electric flame scallops have a short lifespan, typically only living for a year or less in captivity. This makes it hard to determine whether a scallop has died due to poor husbandry or old age.
To improve their feeding, it is recommended to stir up detritus in their general area and provide routine small particulate matter for feeding. However, despite these efforts, electric flame scallops are challenging to keep alive and are best left to dedicated, expert hobbyists or, ideally, left in the ocean.
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They are highly active
Electric flame scallops are highly active and require a lot of care and attention. They are filter feeders, which means they rely on capturing fine particulate matter from the water column. In their natural environment, they feed on phytoplankton and other microscopic organisms, which need to be provided in a home aquarium to sustain them. Their diet can be supplemented with specialised liquid foods, such as marine snow and plankton-based feeds.
To keep an electric flame scallop healthy, it is essential to maintain a consistent food supply in a mature, well-established tank. They are highly sensitive to changes in water conditions and require a stable environment with specific parameters, including a temperature of 72-78°F and a pH of 8.1-8.4. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended to provide adequate water volume for stability.
The level of care required for electric flame scallops makes them suitable only for experienced hobbyists. They are known to be challenging to keep and are considered by some to be "cut flowers" in the hobby, implying that they are short-lived. One source mentions that they have never heard of anyone keeping an electric flame scallop successfully long-term.
Despite the challenges, some people have reported success in caring for electric flame scallops. One individual mentioned that they have had their scallop for 14 months, and another person observed a pair of scallops that had been doing well for 9-10 months. It is worth noting that these successful cases involve dedicated and meticulous care routines, including regular feeding and water maintenance.
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They are short-lived
Electric flame scallops, also known as Ctenoides ales, are short-lived creatures. In the wild, they are believed to live for around 10 years. However, in captivity, they rarely survive beyond a few months to a year. Their lifespan in captivity is significantly shorter due to various factors, including their specific dietary requirements and the challenges of providing adequate nutrition.
The electric flame scallop is a filter feeder, naturally consuming phytoplankton and other microscopic organisms in its environment. Recreating this diet in an aquarium can be difficult. Laboratory experiments have shown that they ingest plastic beads the size of phytoplankton, but it is unclear if they obtain adequate nutrition from these sources. Providing a consistent supply of adequately sized foods is essential for their survival, and even experienced hobbyists may struggle to meet their demanding dietary needs.
The electric flame scallop's preference for secluded areas with low light and moderate water flow can also contribute to their short lifespan in captivity. They tend to seek out hidden recesses and crevices in rocks, making it challenging to observe their feeding habits and ensure they are ingesting enough food. Their ability to swim by clapping their shells open and closed allows them to move within the tank, potentially reaching areas where they cannot be easily seen or reached, further complicating the task of ensuring they receive adequate nutrition.
Additionally, the electric flame scallop is highly sensitive to changes in water conditions, requiring a stable environment with specific parameters, including a temperature of 72-78°F and a pH of 8.1-8.4. Maintaining pristine water quality and controlling the nutrients in their food can be demanding, and even with careful attention and proper feeding, their delicate nature makes them susceptible to early death.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric flame scallops close their shells when they swim. They may also close their shells when they are not getting enough food. In the wild, they tend to live in hidden recesses and prefer subdued lighting, so they may close their shells when they feel exposed.
Electric flame scallops typically live for a few months to a year in captivity. However, some sources suggest that they can live for up to two years or even five years in captivity.
Electric flame scallops require a consistent supply of adequately sized foods to survive. They can eat phytoplankton, brine, or formula one. They also need a nutrient-rich environment or food such as Reef Chili to provide them with the necessary nutrients.
Electric flame scallops range between 3 and 4 inches in diameter.
Electric flame scallops are not easy to keep and are recommended only for dedicated, expert hobbyists. They are demanding and require specific care, including a consistent supply of adequately sized foods. They also have a tendency to wander into regions of the tank where they are difficult to reach or see, which can complicate feeding.
