Reef Aquarium Fact #102 Electric flame scallops blue streaks are electrical impulses!

revhtree · Mar 23, 2012

We are going to continue discussing the reef aquarium facts submitted by our members. Do you agree or disagree? What are your thoughts?

Fact #102

Electric flame scallops have flashing blue streaks on the edge of their mantle which are actually tiny electrical impulses.

Truth or False? What else might we need to learn on this subject? Please also share any pictures that may pertain to the subject.

revhtree · Mar 24, 2012

I wish they would/could live long term in an aquarium. They are so cool!

REEFKEEPER10 · Mar 24, 2012

i know of a lfs that sales them like crazy because they tell people that they filter nitrates and phosphate from the water. i have no clue if that is true but the ones in there DT are healthy and appear to be growing.

S@ltydog · Mar 24, 2012

I believe the pulses primary purpose is to attract phytoplankton. I had one in my last setup and found the pulse to only be present with light on... Either my specimen was unhealthy from day one or they require a small amount of light to utilize this luminescent. It's unfortunate the lifespan is so short, they are pretty cool IF they stay where you can see them. Most don't like to be out in the open under lights so they will find overhangs or disappear under rocks.

I'm curious how long they survive in the ocean. we need to find more out about their proper conditions.

The lfs owner is sorta right. Even clams will filter stuff out like that. Pretty much any filter feeder will remove stuff from the water column. But to what extent. My experience with them is to target feed phyto and they have lived up to a couple years for me. I currently have 2 regular Flame Scallops in a couple of my tanks.