Clam shells in the family Pectinidae (pectens or scallops) that we have seen in the Marshall Islands are figured on these pages. Pectens are generally small clams that with a few exceptions typically live at Kwajalein under rocks or in algae patches. Shells of many species are highly variable in color, so if trying to identify something by this page of thumbnails, select links that appear similar in shape and shell sculpture. The animals bear a row of usually dark or orange-red eyes along the edge of each valve and are sensitive to light. If exposed by turning over a rock they are hiding under, after a few seconds they usually rapidly swim away by flapping their valves. If a size is given near the top of the page, it is usually the maximum size we have measured, not necessarily the size if the figured specimen. Not all of these identifications are certain. Some of our specimens do not seem to match any figured in references currently available to us, and others have shells so encrusted with sponges and other sessile organisms that their scuplture and color are hard to determine. Corrections are welcome at uwkwaj@yahoo.com. (Click on a thumbnail for more images and information on that species.)
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