Electric Flame Scallop (Ctenoides ales)

The Electric Flame Scallop (Ctenoides ales), also known as the Disco Clam, is one of the most mesmerizing animals in the saltwater hobby. Beneath its flame-orange tentacles, a strip along the mantle pulses with a rhythmic white "electric" light show — not bioluminescence, but highly reflective tissue that acts like a tiny mirror flashing at predators. A true filter feeder, this is an expert-level invertebrate for established reefs only. Each specimen is hand-selected from our display systems at Squeaky's Aquatics.

Care Guide

• Care Level: Expert — filter feeders are demanding and have short captive lifespans without proper feeding.
• Tank Size: 30+ gallons established reef with a stable, mature ecosystem.
• Water Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C).
• Salinity: 1.025 SG.
• pH: 8.1–8.4.
• Placement: Shaded ledges, caves, or undersides of rocks — they avoid direct light. Position in moderate, indirect flow.
• Diet: Live phytoplankton (multiple species), rotifers, and small copepods. Target-feed daily with a combination of Reef Juice Clam Blend, Rhodomonas salina, and live copepods.
• Refugium: Highly recommended. A mature refugium continuously produces the live food this animal depends on.
• Reef Safe: Yes — completely peaceful filter feeder, will not harm corals or other inverts.
• Lifespan: 1–2 years in captivity is common; 10+ years possible in optimal conditions with a productive system.

Specifications

Compatibility

Good tank mates: peaceful reef community — clownfish, dwarf angels, gobies, blennies, basslets, cleaner shrimp like the Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, and reef-safe cleanup crew (Turbo Snails, Emerald Crabs). Pairs well with Tridacna clams for a filter-feeder display.

Avoid: any predatory or nipping fish — angelfish (large species), triggerfish, puffers, and large wrasses can pick at the mantle. Also avoid hermits that climb on inverts; the soft tentacles are easy to damage.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Bulldawg Reef Juice Clam Blend — live phyto formulated for clams and filter feeders.
• Bulldawg Rhodomonas salina — red phyto, high-nutrition single species.
• Bulldawg Reef Juice Elite — 8-species live phyto blend.
• Bulldawg Live Copepods — supplements the natural pod population from your refugium.
• Waterbox Reef Salt — clean synthetic salt for water changes.
• Browse all reef foods for additional plankton and coral nutrition.

FAQ

Is the light actually electric?
No — it's an optical trick. A strip of highly reflective silica tissue along the mantle edge alternates with non-reflective tissue, creating a pulsing flash effect that looks electric under tank lights. It's thought to function as a predator deterrent.

How hard is it to keep alive?
Very. Most specimens slowly starve over 6–18 months in tanks without continuous live phytoplankton dosing. A productive refugium and a daily phyto schedule are basically required. We're upfront about this — please only purchase if you're set up to feed properly.

Does it move around the tank?
It can. Flame Scallops can swim short distances by clapping their shells together (jet propulsion) and will reposition themselves to find optimal flow and shade. Don't be surprised if you find it has relocated overnight.

Will my fish eat it?
Reef-safe peaceful fish ignore it. Avoid predators, large angels, triggers, puffers, and anything that nips at corals or anemones — the soft tentacles are vulnerable.