What is calico scallops?

Calico scallops, also known as Argopecten gibbus, are a type of scallop found in the western Atlantic Ocean, from North Carolina to Brazil. They have a characteristic color pattern of alternating orange and brown bands on their shells, which is how they get their name "calico." These scallops can reach up to 3 inches in size, and they typically live in shallow waters, often near seagrass beds. Calico scallops are commercially harvested for food, and they are also popular for their beautiful shells, which are used in crafts and decoration. They are filter feeders, meaning they obtain their food by filtering plankton and other microorganisms from the water column. Calico scallops are an important part of the ecosystem, providing food for predators such as crabs, sea stars, and fish.