About Leptopecten latiauratus (Conrad, 1837)
Leptopecten latiauratus, commonly called the kelp scallop, is a small saltwater bivalve mollusk belonging to the scallop family Pectinidae. Other common names for this species are the wide-eared scallop, broad-eared pecten, and kelp-weed scallop. This species was formerly classified under the name Pecten monotimeris. Like other scallops, Leptopecten latiauratus has many small primitive eyes along the rim of its mantle, and it escapes predators by using jet propulsion. This species can be found living at depths up to 850 feet, or 250 meters.
The distribution of Leptopecten latiauratus ranges from Point Reyes, California southward to Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico, and also extends into the Gulf of California. Its habitat spans from the low intertidal zone down to 250 meters (850 feet) deep. It uses byssal threads to attach itself to kelp, hard objects including rocks and oil well rigs, and sessile invertebrates such as hydroids.
