BIOTIC Species Information for Aequipecten opercularis
Researched byMorvan Barnes Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byThis information is not refereed
Taxonomy
Scientific nameAequipecten opercularis Common nameQueen scallop
MCS CodeW1773 Recent Synonyms
PhylumMollusca Subphylum
Superclass ClassPelecypoda
Subclass OrderOstreoida
SuborderPectinina FamilyPectinidae
GenusAequipecten Speciesopercularis
Subspecies   
Additional Information
Taxonomy References Howson & Picton, 1997, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Tebble, 1966,
General Biology
Growth formBivalved
 Feeding methodActive suspension feeder
Mobility/MovementTemporary attachment
Swimmer
 Environmental positionEpifaunal
Epibenthic
Typical food typesSuspended organic matter including plankton HabitFree living
BioturbatorNot relevant FlexibilityNone (< 10 degrees)
FragilityIntermediate SizeSmall-medium(3-10cm)
HeightNot researched Growth RateNot Researched
Adult dispersal potentialNot researched DependencyIndependent
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional Information
Biology References Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Fish & Fish, 1996, Heilmayer et al., 2004, Ansell et al., 1991, Jenkins et al., 2003, Tebble, 1966, Christensen, 1980,
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandFound on all British and Irish coasts.
Global distributionFound in north-west Europe from Norway to the Shetlands and south to Spain and the Canary Isles and in the Meditteranean off the coasts of Malta and Greece.
Biogeographic rangeTemperate to warm temperate. Depth rangeFound down to 100 m depth.
MigratoryNon-migratory / Resident   
Distribution Additional Information
Substratum preferencesGravel / shingle
Coarse clean sand
Fine clean sand
Muddy sand
Gravelley sand
 Physiographic preferencesOpen coast
Offshore seabed
Strait / sound
Sealoch
Ria / Voe
Estuary
Enclosed coast / Embayment
Biological zoneLower Eulittoral
Sublittoral Fringe
Upper Infralittoral
Lower Infralittoral
Upper Circalittoral
Lower Circalittoral
 Wave exposureField unresearched
Tidal stream strength/Water flowField unresearched
 SalinityFull (30-40 psu)
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References NBN, 2002, Seaward, 1982, Fish & Fish, 1996, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Heilmayer et al., 2004, Kamenos et al., 2004, Seaward, 1982, Christensen, 1980,
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typePermanent hermaphrodite
 Developmental mechanismNot researched
Reproductive SeasonJune to October Reproductive LocationAs adult
Reproductive frequencyAnnual episodic Regeneration potential No
Life span6-10 years Age at reproductive maturity1 year
Generation timeNot researched Fecundity3 - 6 million eggs
Egg/propagule size68 µm Fertilization typeExternal
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialNot researched Larval settlement periodJune to July and September to October
Duration of larval stage11-30 days   
Reproduction Preferences Additional Information
Reproduction References Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Fish & Fish, 1996, Kamenos et al., 2004, Christensen, 1980,
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