A large often coourful shell, One valve is strongly convex (the lower valve) and one is flat or slightly concave (the upper), Outline is roughly circular and the valves are sculptured with wide flat ribs. Colour is hugely variable. When undisturbed the valves open and the mantle extrudes a little and the mantle "eyes" and tentacles can be seen

Below the surface of soft sediments, from mud to coarse sand in moderate to low energy areas (eg harbours).

Filter feeder.

Scallops can envade predators such as starfish by forcing a jet of water out either side of their shell propelling them in series of jerky movements.
Daily limit per person 10, minimum size 100 mm

NZ Marine Fishes: Paul
Coastal Marine Inverts Vol 1