{"product_id":"flashing-electric-scallop","title":"Flashing Electric Scallop","description":"\u003ch3\u003eFlashing Electric Scallop: The Reef's Disco Ball\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eFlashing Electric Scallop\u003c\/strong\u003e (Ctenoides ales), also known as the \u003cstrong\u003eDisco Clam\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eElectric Flame Scallop\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a mesmerizing marine bivalve celebrated for its unique, pulsing \"light show.\" This visual effect is not bioluminescence (light produced by the animal), but a structural coloration created by tiny, highly reflective silica nanospheres on the edge of its red mantle tissue. The clam rapidly furrows and unfurls this tissue, alternating between a highly reflective white side and a non-reflective dark side, creating the appearance of arcing, electric flashes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its common name, Ctenoides ales is a File Clam, not a true scallop. It features a fan-shaped shell, often mottled tan, which it uses to anchor itself into rock crevices using byssal threads. It also has long, vibrant red or orange tentacles extending from the mantle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is native to the Indo-Pacific, where it is typically found hidden in dark, rocky caves and crevices, making the flashing display an effective predator deterrent (aposematism). Due to its specific feeding and environmental needs, the \u003cstrong\u003eFlashing Electric Scallop\u003c\/strong\u003e is considered an \u003cstrong\u003eExpert-Only\u003c\/strong\u003e invertebrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Compatibility:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e The \u003cstrong\u003eFlashing Electric Scallop\u003c\/strong\u003e is a dedicated Non-Photosynthetic Filter Feeder (Planktivore). It relies completely on capturing fine particulate matter, including \u003cstrong\u003ephytoplankton\u003c\/strong\u003e, zooplankton, and bacterioplankton, from the water column. Unlike many clams, it cannot survive on light alone.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is the most challenging aspect of its care. It requires a mature, densely stocked reef system with a dedicated refugium or daily, targeted supplemental feeding. Food must be small, liquid-based (e.g., concentrated phytoplankton, marine snow, live rotifers) and delivered directly upstream of its open mantle. If its food requirements are not met, it will starve.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement \u0026amp; Movement:\u003c\/strong\u003e It must be placed in a secure, shaded crevice or cave in the rockwork where it receives moderate, indirect water flow and is protected from predators and high light. Though primarily sessile, it can \"swim\" short, jerky distances by rapidly clapping its valves together if threatened.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e It is Reef Safe and peaceful. It will not harm corals or other invertebrates. However, it is highly vulnerable to predation or mantle-nipping. Do not house with aggressive fish like puffers, large angelfish, certain wrasses, or triggerfish. Its flashing is a defense mechanism.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires moderate, indirect water flow to bring suspended food. Strong, direct currents can be detrimental.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Due to its constant and demanding nutritional requirements and sensitivity to water quality changes, this animal is strictly for Expert Aquarists.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ctenoides ales\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Common Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flashing Electric Scallop\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOther Common Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Disco Clam, Electric Flame Scallop, File Clam\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indo-Pacific (Widespread)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMax Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3−4 inches (7.5−10 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-Photosynthetic Filter Feeder (Planktivore)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30 Gallons (Requires a mature system)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes (Must be protected from predators)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting Requirement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low to Moderate (Prefers shaded location)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eExpert Only\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SLA","offers":[{"title":"Medium (1.25-2\")","offer_id":67705445318876,"sku":"fat1791986670910","price":24.67,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0834\/1422\/1020\/files\/flashing-electric-scallop_1.webp?v=1791986676","url":"https:\/\/calmhemwear.shop\/products\/flashing-electric-scallop","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}