1. Pecten Fumatus Family OR Southern Scallop species
The Biology of the Scallop species that are harvested by the Victorian Scallop Fishermen’s Association we is detailed below. Our licences and quotas are variable and set annually to allow us to fish for the following scallop species.
Biology Scientific name: Pecten fumatus Family: Pectinidae
Other names: Southern scallop, Tasmanian scallop, King scallop
Description: Commercial scallops have thin, equal-sized, circular shaped shells with about 15 radiating ribs. The lower valve (shell) is paler and more curved than the upper valve. The shell can be covered with irregular brownish patterning.
Size: (length and weight): Up to 14.5 cm in shell height. Commonly found at 8 to 9 cm in shell height. Growth rates vary depending on location.
Life span: Up to 10 years, but usually less than 7 years. Wild populations have been known to die off rapidly after only 3-5 years.
Habitat: Commercial scallops are found buried in soft sediment ranging from mud to coarse sand. Scallops aggregate into beds and bury themselves so that only the top shell is visible. The orientation of scallop beds may be influenced by tidal currents. Commercial scallops are mainly found at depths of 10-20 metres but may also occur down to 120 metres. While mainly sedentary, scallops can swim by rapidly opening and closing their shells, usually when disturbed by predators.
Prey: Plankton and detritus. Predators: Starfish, whelks and octopus. Reproduction: Commercial scallops reach reproductive maturity after one year, but do not spawn until the second year. Spawning is thought to be triggered by a sudden increase in water temperature. Spawning occurs over an extended period during winter and spring. Commercial scallops are hermaphrodites and ‘broadcast spawners’ that release gametes into the water. There is a delay between the release of eggs and sperm to prevent self-fertilisation. Fecundity increases with shell size and age. An individual can produce up to one million eggs during spawning.
A comprehensive report on the Victorian Scallop Industry in .pdf format, can be downloaded on this link
Department of Primary Industries – Statement of Management Arrangements.pdf
2. Chlamys asperrimus OR Doughboy Scallop species
Biology Scientific name: Chlamys asperrimus (also known as Mimachlamys asperrima) Family: Pectinidae Other names: Sponge scallop, prickly scallop.
Description: Doughboy scallops have equal-sized, circular shaped shells with 20-26 radiating ribs, and two small wings at the hinge. Both shells are convex. Shells vary in colour from orange to pink, with bright blue eyes around the edge.
Size (length and weight): Up to 11 cm in shell height. Growth rates vary depending on location.
Life span: Unknown, although other related scallops live for up to 14 years.
Habitat: Doughboy scallops are found buried in soft sediment ranging from mud to coarse sand, usually attached to solid objects by byssal threads. Scallops aggregate into beds and bury themselves so that only the top shell is visible. The orientation of scallop beds may be influenced by tidal currents. Doughboy scallops can be found at depths of about 2-110 metres. While mainly sedentary, scallops can swim by rapidly opening and closing their shells, usually when disturbed by predators. Doughboy scallops often have sponges growing on top of their shell.
Prey: Plankton and detritus. Predators: Starfish, whelks and octopus. Reproduction: Doughboy scallops reach reproductive maturity after about one year. Spawning occurs over an extended period during winter and spring. Doughboy scallops have separate sexes and are ‘broadcast spawners’ that release gametes into the water. Fecundity increases with shell size and age. Females produce about 800 000 eggs during spawning.
For further information on the 2017 Scallop Fishing Industry please read Explanatory Statement Australian Fisheries Management Authority .pdf