Description: This small scallop only reaches up to 25 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, yellow to red-brown, with a range of different irregular patterns including zigzags and blotches. There are around 70 radiating riblets bearing small spines on the left valve, and a more delicate sculpturing and only a few radial riblets on the right valve.

Habitat: Coarse sediment - muddy sand, gravel or shell. From 5 m down to considerable depth.

Distribution: Found on most coasts but records are concentrated in the north and northeast of Britain and Ireland.

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

Key Identification Features:

• Thin, fragile scallop up to 25 mm.
• Anterior ear around 3 times larger than posterior ear.
• Left valve rough, with up to 70 radiating riblets bearing spines on left valve
• Right valve fine with only a few fine radiaitng riblets.

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

iNaturalist: Palliolum striatum at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Palliolum striatum

WoRMS: Palliolum striatum at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Palliolum striatum (O. F. Müller, 1776). AphiaID: 140709.

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