Patinopecten

Patinopecten is a genus of marine bivalves in the family Pectinidae, commonly known as scallops. Species within this genus are found mainly in the cool temperate and subarctic waters of the North Pacific. The taxonomy of Patinopecten has been subject to revision, and some species historically placed in this genus have been reassigned to other genera such as Mizuhopecten by different authorities. Despite such changes, Patinopecten remains a recognized grouping in many classifications and references.

Notable species associated with the genus include Patinopecten caurinus, the Alaska scallop, and Patinopecten yessoensis, the Yesso or Japanese scallop. These scallops inhabit continental shelf habitats and are adapted to a range of depths from shallow coastal zones to deeper waters in the North Pacific. They are typically filter feeders that rely on phytoplankton and suspended organic material for nutrition.

Morphologically, Patinopecten scallops have rounded to ovate shells with a hinge along the dorsal edge and two ear-shaped auricles near the hinge. They possess a prominent adductor muscle, whose white area remains visible on the shell when the animal is closed. Like other scallops, they are capable of modest locomotion by rapid opening and closing of the valves and by jetting water to reposition themselves.

Economic significance centers on fisheries and aquaculture. Patinopecten caurinus and Patinopecten yessoensis have supported commercial harvesting and farming operations, particularly in North American and East Asian regions. Management of wild stocks and aquaculture practices seeks to balance production with conservation of wild populations.