Electric Flame Scallop

SkipsPrincess77 · Feb 7, 2015

So I just recently got an electric flame scallop from my LFS. I saw them on live aquaria and felt like I had to have one. I've had it for 4 days now and I've yet to see it electrify. This got me googling and I'm reading they are almost impossible to keep in a home aquarium. Kinda wish I had read that before. Anyways, I read they give the appearance of electrifying while they are eating. So that got me thinking either mine isn't eating or maybe it's just a flame scallop and not an electric flame? Any way to tell the difference between the two? I'm feeding it phyto feast via mini pipette. It hasn't really moved from where I initially put it just rotated a little. Not sure how to upload a picture of it from phone to here.

Bongo Shrimp · Feb 7, 2015

If it "flashes" blue at the edge of the mantle it's an electric. If not, it's just a normal flame scallop. Unfortunately you're right about them being nearly impossible to keep alive. I read one account somewhere on the web of someone who was able to keep one alive for around two years but they would literally put so much phyto in the tank each day that it would cloud the water green.

phillrodrigo · Feb 7, 2015

I believe they have different shells don't they. I had one for a little while. From some reading I have done which makes a lot of sense is that they only have a 2 year life span regardless. So who knows how long it takes for it to get to the size you have maybe a year maybe more maybe less. So if it takes a while to get that big and then died in 6 months it may have just lived it's full life.

SkipsPrincess77 · Feb 7, 2015

okay here are some pics. Appears it is trying to feed just not flashing. I specially asked for the electric one. I know they arnt expensive but the price is doubled for it and I want what I paid for.

phillrodrigo · Feb 7, 2015

I think the electric have a pure white shell and the flame is brown. I think you have the right one. Also the hairs on the front are a bit longer on the electric. Try looking under athinics it shows up better that way.

Chris Aldrich · Feb 10, 2015

Here are some thoughts on the topic of keeping these inverts in an aquarium. Not impossible, but you definitely have to be aware of their special needs and dedicated to fulfilling them: Don't Get Burned by Flame Scallops!

Mr. Microscope · Feb 10, 2015

Sorry to flame (punny

), but always do your research BEFORE taking home an animal! At minimum, do a quick search on your smart phone while you're at the LFS.

That being said, I'd think there could be some potential to keep one of these somewhat happy in a dedicated NPS biotope with an automated feeding regime.

SkipsPrincess77 · Feb 10, 2015

I thought I had done my research until I googled what could go wrong. It's still alive but no flashes still.

SkipsPrincess77 · Feb 10, 2015

Id hate to move him since I don't want to bother him but he is under a rock canopy like deal. Maybe the light just isn't hitting him at the right angle. Going to go back and talk to my LFS guys this weekend.

d2mini · Feb 10, 2015

SkipsPrincess77 said:
Id hate to move him since I don't want to bother him but he is under a rock canopy like deal. Maybe the light just isn't hitting him at the right angle. Going to go back and talk to my LFS guys this weekend.

They won't like a lot of light. There is no photosynthesis which is why they need to be heavily fed.

SkipsPrincess77 · Feb 21, 2015

So went to my LFS and turns out the place they ordered it from sent the wrong one and whoever sold it to me didn't know the difference. They made it right. Now I have an electric and non electric flame and they look nothing a like. I'll have to double dose my phyto now. Lol. The electrics shell is pure white and smooth with a lot longer hairs. Phill was right. Even the shape is different.