Electric Flame Scallop

Electric Flame Scallop (Ctenoides ales)

The Electric Flame Scallop (Ctenoides ales) is one of the most captivating filter feeders found in saltwater aquariums. Famous for its bright red mantle and the mesmerizing, lightning-like flashes along its edge, this scallop adds movement and energy to shaded areas of your reef. Its bioluminescent display isn’t produced by true light—rather, it’s the result of light reflecting off specialized tissues that create a natural strobe-like effect.

Behavior and Placement

Electric Flame Scallops prefer to tuck themselves into shaded caves or rock crevices where they can attach using fine byssal threads. They may reposition over time to find ideal water flow and feeding conditions. Their pulsing light display is often seen when they are comfortable and well-fed, making them an exciting addition for aquarists who appreciate rare and dynamic invertebrates.

Feeding

Unlike photosynthetic corals, Ctenoides ales relies entirely on filter feeding. They thrive when provided with a steady diet of live phytoplankton, marine snow, and other micron-sized foods suspended in the water column. Consistent feeding is essential for their long-term health and coloration—systems dosed with phytoplankton regularly tend to yield the best success.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

• Lighting: Low to moderate, avoid direct high-intensity lighting

• Water Flow: Moderate to strong to keep fine particles suspended

• Reef Compatibility: Fully reef-safe; best suited for peaceful reef aquariums

Quick Care Tips

• Place the scallop in a shaded crevice with steady water movement.

• Maintain stable parameters and low nutrient levels.

• Feed multiple times weekly with phytoplankton or microfoods.

• Avoid handling or exposing to air for extended periods during placement.