Biological observations on young scallops,<i>Pecten maximus</i>

Abstract

The biology of young scallops Pecten maximus (Mollusca: Bivalvia) was examined using SCUBA diving. Within shallow and sheltered bays settlement took place near adult populations. Surfaces to which scallops attached were generally free of silt; these included algae, invertebrate tests and inorganic materials. Detachment could take place amongst individuals of 1 mm; however, in sheltered bays most remained attached until 4–13 mm. Following detachment scallops recessed in sediment. They were subject to dispersal by water turbulence and swimming induced by sea-stars. There was evidence to suggest high mortality from crab and sea-star predation during the summer and autumn.