A company on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, U.S.A. raises genetically engineered Argopecten irradians (or Aequipecten, whichever is the current placement). Anyway, the company breeds these scallops for shell color, and has produced several brilliant hues - yellow, orange, red, violet, and combinations. Originally their principal market was upscale restaurants in Japan, which used the scallops as a garnish on fancy seafood dishes. I once inquired why these restaurants didn't just use small Chlamys nobilis, which are just as brightly colored, and are locally common, rather than importing expensive substitutes from the other side of the world. I was told "they just wanted something more exotic". I guess exoticness lies in the eye of the beholder. Paul M.