Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, sourcing, and tankmate intelligence on Flame Scallop - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team and cross-verified against vendor records on the live marketplace.
Flame Scallop (Lima scabra) is a marine invertebrate kept by aquarists for reef-tank cleanup, biological control of pests, or aesthetic display. Demanding requirements make this species best for keepers with established mature systems and proven track records.
Where Flame Scallop comes from
Flame Scallop (Lima scabra) is native to Indo-Pacific reef ecosystems, with wild populations distributed across coral reefs, sandy lagoons, and rocky tide pools. Captive specimens are typically wild-collected; some species are starting to be aquacultured but most Flame Scallop sold today still comes from wild reef collection. Sustainable sourcing matters - look for vendors who can verify their collection practices, and consider aquacultured alternatives when available.
Flame Scallop tank size and setup
Flame Scallop requires a minimum of 30 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (4 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern. Most Flame Scallop sold at small juvenile size will reach full adult size within 12-24 months and the system must be sized to the adult, not the juvenile.
For a Flame Scallop setup: mature reef tank with stable parameters, live rock for cover, sandbed substrate (1-2"), reef-grade lighting if photosynthetic, and a fully-cycled biological filter at least 6 weeks old. Newly-cycled tanks under 6 weeks crash the parameters that Flame Scallop depends on.
Flame Scallop requires standard reef parameters held tightly stable: Temperature: 76-80°F (24-27°C) Specific gravity: 1.025 (refractometer-measured) pH: 8.1-8.4 Alkalinity: 8-9 dKH Calcium: 420-450 ppm Magnesium: 1300-1400 ppm Ammonia + nitrite: Both 0 ppm Nitrate: Under 10 ppm Copper: 0 (lethal to invertebrates)
Flame Scallop is sensitive to copper - never medicate the display tank with copper if Flame Scallop is present. Stable parameters beat perfect parameters.
What Flame Scallop eats
Flame Scallop is a plankton filter feeder. Filter-feeds on suspended plankton and dissolved organics. Target-feed live phytoplankton, rotifers, or commercial reef foods (Reef Roids, Coral Frenzy) 2-3x weekly to ensure adequate nutrition. Feed Flame Scallop appropriately for its size + activity level. Overfeeding is the #1 cause of water-quality crashes in tanks of all sizes.
Flame Scallop tankmates and compatibility
Flame Scallop is generally peaceful and compatible with most reef community species. Avoid keeping with predatory fish that view inverts as food: large wrasses (especially halichoeres + thalassoma), triggerfish, pufferfish, and certain large angelfish. Multiple Flame Scallop can share a tank but compete for food.
Browse care guides for tankmate-compatibility tables for Flame Scallop and similar species.
Flame Scallop adult size and lifespan
Flame Scallop reaches 4 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 1-3 years with proper care. Many marine inverts molt periodically; provide adequate calcium and a stable parameter regime to support healthy molts.
Can you breed Flame Scallop?
Flame Scallop breeding in captivity ranges from straightforward (some shrimp, snails) to nearly impossible (most starfish, urchins) due to pelagic larval requirements. Captive-bred specimens are increasingly available from sustainable aquaculture facilities; check with vendors before assuming wild-caught origin.
Common Flame Scallop diseases and problems
Flame Scallop is sensitive to copper, ammonia spikes, low oxygen, and rapid parameter swings. NEVER use copper medications in a tank with Flame Scallop. Symptoms of stress: reclusive behavior, color loss, refusal to feed, abnormal molting (incomplete or stuck molts). Most Flame Scallop deaths trace back to acclimation shock or parameter mismatch - drip-acclimate over 45-60 minutes when adding to a new tank.
Where to buy Flame Scallop online
Flame Scallop is sold at LFS (local fish stores), online retailers, and direct from breeders/wholesalers. Pricing varies widely by source, size, and quality:
Browse live Flame Scallop from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping (FedEx Priority + UPS Next Day), climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims. Captive-bred or aquacultured specimens cost more upfront but arrive healthier and integrate faster.
Flame Scallop FAQ
How big does Flame Scallop get?
4 inches at adulthood within 12-24 months.
How long does Flame Scallop live?
1-3 years with proper care.
What is the minimum tank/pond size?
30 gallons, with larger systems strongly recommended.
Is Flame Scallop hard to keep?
Flame Scallop is rated expert difficulty.
What does Flame Scallop eat?
Flame Scallop is a plankton filter feeder; appropriate diet matches its natural feeding pattern.
Flame Scallop taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.