VU

Vitreous Scallop

Delectopecten vitreus

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Vitreous Scallop faces significant pressure from commercial fishing operations that target scallop beds in its deep-water habitat. Bottom trawling activities physically damage the seafloor communities where this species lives, while climate change-induced ocean acidification threatens to weaken its calcium carbonate shell structure. The species' restricted depth range and limited distribution make it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Vitreous Scallop inhabits deep continental shelf waters, typically found on sandy and muddy substrates at depths ranging from 50 to 200 meters. This species prefers areas with moderate water flow that provide adequate food supply while offering protection from strong currents.

MARINE· major

Threatened in Algeria

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Blind SnailVU

Blind Snail

Cecilioides acicula

Unknown
VU

Small Three-toed Skink

Chalcides minutus

Declining
EN

Chafarinas' Skink

Chalcides parallelus

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Vitreous Scallop classified as Vulnerable?
Vitreous Scallop is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Vitreous Scallop faces significant pressure from commercial fishing operations that target scallop beds in its deep-water habitat. Bottom trawling activities physically damage the seafloor communities where this species lives, while climate change-induced ocean acidification threatens to weaken its calcium carbonate shell structure. The species' restricted depth range and limited distribution make it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances.
Where does Vitreous Scallop live?
Vitreous Scallop occurs in Algeria, Angola, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, and Chile (plus 32 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Vitreous Scallop?
The main threats to Vitreous Scallop are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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