Polarkulmia

Polarkulmia, also known as polar bear scallop (*Chlamys polaris*), is a small, cold-water scallop species native to the Arctic and subarctic regions. It is primarily found in shallow coastal waters, often buried in sandy or muddy sediments along the shores of the Arctic Ocean, the Bering Sea, and the North Atlantic. This species is well-adapted to extreme cold environments, with a distribution range extending from the northern coasts of Alaska and Canada to the waters surrounding Svalbard and northern Norway.

The polar bear scallop is characterized by its small, oval-shaped shell, typically measuring 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter. Its shell is usually white or pale yellow, sometimes with faint radial ridges. Like other scallops, it is a filter-feeder, using its ctenidia (gills) to extract plankton and organic particles from seawater. It is also capable of rapid swimming, clapping its shell to propel itself through the water—a behavior that helps it avoid predators such as fish and seabirds.

Polarkulmia plays a role in Arctic marine ecosystems, serving as both prey and a habitat for smaller organisms. While it is not a commercially significant species, it is sometimes harvested by Indigenous communities in the Arctic for local consumption. Due to its limited range and sensitivity to environmental changes, the polar bear scallop is considered an indicator species for Arctic marine health. Climate change and warming ocean temperatures pose potential threats to its survival, as rising sea levels and shifting currents could alter its habitat. Conservation efforts focus on monitoring population trends and protecting its fragile Arctic environment.