Systematic Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Pterioida
Family: Pectinidae
Genus: Chlamys
Species: Chlamys nobilus
(Reece, 1852)
Chinese name: ®°¨©

 
Characteristic Features

Ovate-rhomboidal, moderately compressed, thin shell with almost parallel ventral and posterior dorsal margins. Fine concentric grooves which are strongest posteriorly. Creamy, with fine, brown, zig-zag lines and irregular blotches. It is unusual to find two specimens marked alike. Pattern almost infinite.

Habitat

Mostly occurring in 20m depth of ocean and found on rocks or coral reefs.
Size

~65 mm (shell length)
Distribution

Indian Ocean to West Pacific.
Commercial
fishery		 Economically important. It is one of the main aquaculture species in Southern China. In addition to sale as fresh food and luxurious processed food, the shell can be sold for the manufacture of lime.