Description: This small scallop only reaches up to 20 mm in size and has a thin, fragile shell. The ears are uneven, with the anterior ear at least 3 times larger than the posterior ear. The colour and patterning of the shell are both extremely variable. It can range from white, cream or grey to pink, yellow, orange, brown or even purple, with a range of different shades and patterns. Structuring on shell is all very fine aside from 4-6 coarse ribs on the anterior ear of the right valve.

Habitat: Muddy or gravelly sand, between 5-150 m.

Distribution: Not common. Most records are from coasts of Northern Ireland and west and NW coasts of Scotland, as well as northern Scotland. There are a few other scattered records elsewhere, including a few southern records.

Similar Species: Could be confused with Palliolum striatum or Palliolum tigerinum.

Key Identification Features:

• A small scallop with fine sculpturing on the shell.
• 4-6 coarse ribs on anterior ear of right valve.

Distribution Map from NBN: Palliolum incomparabile at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Palliolum incomparabile at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Palliolum incomparabile

WoRMS: Palliolum incomparabile at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Palliolum incomparabile (Risso, 1826). AphiaID: 140708.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Bivalvia; Autobranchia; Pteriomorphia; Pectinida; Pectinoidea; Pectinidae; Palliolinae; Palliolini; Palliolum