Flame scallop (Ctenoides scaber) care guide

Group
Other invertebrates
Other names
Rough fileclam, Red file shell clam, Flame clam, Lima scabra, Rough file shell
Family
Limidae
Origin
Caribbean Sea
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
7.6 cm
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12, SG 1.023–1.025
Minimum tank
150 litres
Care level
expert
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
yes
Lifespan
1–3 years
Flow
Medium

Care

The flame scallop is not a true scallop but a file clam (family Limidae) from the Caribbean, up to about 7.6 cm. It has a rough shell that feels like a file, a bright red mantle (from carotenoid pigments) and a fringe of red and white tentacles. LiveAquaria sells it under its older name, Lima scabra. It looks like the Indo-Pacific electric flame scallop (Ctenoides ales), which flashes light along its mantle edge; the two are often confused. Set-up: a mature reef tank of 150 litres or more with medium flow and a sheltered crevice where it can wedge itself. In the wild it builds a nest of small coral pieces and rock. When threatened it claps its shells to swim away, so keep it away from pump intakes. It does not need light; it has no symbiotic algae, and low, shaded spots suit it. Water: LiveAquaria gives 22–26 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, dKH 8–12 and SG 1.023–1.025, proper calcium and alkalinity, and notes it does not tolerate nitrate. Feeding warning: filter feeders like this are hard to keep fed in aquariums and many slowly starve over weeks or months, even in good tanks. LiveAquaria classes it as Expert Only, suitable for experienced keepers, zoos and research institutions. Copper: copper-based medicines and some plant fertilisers are toxic to shrimp, snails and most other invertebrates. Never treat a tank holding them with copper, check the label of any fertiliser or medicine, and keep nets and buckets used for copper-treated tanks separate. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/flame-scallop-expert-only); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ctenoidesscaber). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A filter feeder that eats only phytoplankton, sorting particles with its palps. Feed live or concentrated phytoplankton and fine particle foods daily, released just upstream of each clam with a pipette or straw while the pumps are turned down.

Breeding

Not bred in home aquariums. Like most file clams it spawns into the water and has planktonic larvae.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful and harmless to fish and corals; can be kept in groups. Crabs, larger shrimp, puffers, triggers, angelfish, butterflyfish and wrasses may nip or eat it. Corals that sting can also harm it if it moves next to them.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.