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New Zealand Scallop

Pecten novaezelandiae Reeve 1852

Description

provided by NMNH Antarctic Invertebrates

“Pecten Novae-Zelandiae. Pect. testa sublongato-orbiculari, aequilaterali, inaequivalvi; valvis concentrice minutissime striates; sinistra plana, prope umbonem concaviuscula, in valva dextra subimmersa, costis subangustis convexis quatuordecim nitide radiate, albicante, spadiceo-rufo tincta; dextra expanso-convexa, costis quindecim sublatioribus radiate, alba; auriculis aequalibus, sinistrorsum subinclinatis.

The New Zealand Pecten. Shell somewhat elongately orbicular, equilateral, inequivalve; valves very minutely concentrically strained; left valve flat, rather concave near the umbo, a little immersed in the right valve, neatly rayed with fourteen rather narrow convex ribs, whitish, stained with fawn-red; right valve expandedly convex, rayed with fifteen rather broader ribs, white; ears equal, bent a little forwards towards the left valve.

Hab. New Zealand; Hart.

A beautifully symmetrical neatly-ribbed species, of a delicate subtransparent white, stained on the left valve with rich fawn-red.”

(Reeve, 1853: Pecten species 36; VIII)

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Reeve, 1853: Pecten species 36; VIII
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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - Antarctic Invertebrates

Pecten novaezelandiae

provided by wikipedia EN

Pecten novaezelandiae, common name the New Zealand scallop, is a bivalve mollusc of the family Pectinidae, the scallops. Its name is sometimes found misspelt as Pecten novaezealandiae.

Distribution

Pecten novaezelandiae is endemic to New Zealand. It is found in the North Island, South Island, Stewart Island, and the Chatham Islands.

Habitat

Pecten novaezelandiae is found on sand, silt, and mud from low tide level to over 90 m. Large populations are found at depths of 10 to 25 m.[1]

Introduction

Pecten novaezelandiae is completely free-living, mobile and somewhat migratory.[2] The two valves are asymmetric. The left valve is convex while the right is flat. The concave valve has approximately 16 ribs.[2] The colour is variable, however the valves are usually a whitish pink, but sometimes can be a dark reddish brown. Natural predators are sea stars and octopus.[3]

A colourful young Pecten novaezelandiae

Life cycle

Sexually mature individuals are hermaphrodites. They are broadcast spawners. The season when the organisms spawn is variable between locations. However, in Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere, the peak time is from November to March.[1] Fertilisation occurs and a planktonic larva forms. This life stage is conserved for approximately three weeks. Metamorphosis occurs and the larvae changes from planktonic to a benthic existence by attaching itself to suitable substrate on the seafloor. The attachment lasts until the individual is at least five millimetres long. The individual then detaches from the substrate and begins to grow into an adult. Maturity is usually achieved by 18 months.

Fisheries

The New Zealand scallop is a large industry and export product of New Zealand. The large white adductor muscle is eaten; sometimes, the orange and white gonad is eaten, as well. P. novaezelandiae is considered a fine food and can be expensive to purchase. Recreational and commercial fishing of this species is allowed at particular times of the year, the scallop season. The size and number of scallops which can be caught are under control of the quota management system. In some areas of suitable habitat, such as Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere, scallop spat is seeded in an attempt to achieve a sustainable fishery.

References

  1. ^ a b Michael Arbuckle, Michael Metzger (2000). Food for thought. A brief history of the future of fisheries' management. Self Published: Challenger Scallop Enhancement Company.
  2. ^ a b John Morton, Michael Miller (1973). The New Zealand Seashore, Second Edition. Auckland: Collins.
  3. ^ Powell, A.W.B (1979). New Zealand Mollusca - Marine Land and Freshwater Shells. Auckland: Collins.

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Pecten novaezelandiae: Brief Summary

provided by wikipedia EN

Pecten novaezelandiae, common name the New Zealand scallop, is a bivalve mollusc of the family Pectinidae, the scallops. Its name is sometimes found misspelt as Pecten novaezealandiae.

license
cc-by-sa-3.0
copyright
Wikipedia authors and editors
original
visit source
partner site
wikipedia EN

Depth range

provided by World Register of Marine Species
littoral-upper bathyal
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Dijkstra, Henk [email]