Peruvian Scallops
Argopecten purpuratus
Peruvian scallops, Scallop, Peru scallop
1. What is it?
Peru scallops (Argopecten purpuratus) is an edible species of saltwater clam. It is of great economic importance in the local aquaculture sector and exported to international markets.
2. How was it caught or farmed?
Peru scallops are farmed using ropes suspended to the seafloor. As scallops are filter feeders no feed is required and damage to the environment is minor. One concern, however, is that this species is highly susceptible to bacterial infections which could contaminate whole farmed areas.
3. Where is it from?
Peru scallops are farmed in Chile and Peru and imported in South Africa. There are some concerns surrounding the management of the species due to lack of management and technical capacity as well as insufficient control of reproduction in captivity.
