Key Identification Features
- Although the two species are morphologically similar, they have distinguishing features.
- The valve sculpture is distinct: it is made up of 12 to 17 wide radiating ribs, plus numerous concentric lines that clearly show the scallop's growth history.
- Both of its shell valves are cupped, and like all scallops, the shell near the hinge extends into distinct "ears".
- The first is the bay scallop Argopecten irradians, which generally has a uniform gray to gray-brown coloration, and a distinctly convex right (lower) valve.
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