Robb in Austin
New member
SWEET clams! That tank is not to bad either. 
Good luck!
Good luck!
AgentSPS' 300 Gallon ***DreamReef***
- Thread starter AgentSPS
- Start date
Solitaryensis
New member
Nice clam, Eric. Looks almost like a maxima/squamosa hybrid. Did Aaron find it for you in Thailand 
AgentSPS
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13742609#post13742609 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Solitaryensis
Nice clam, Eric. Looks almost like a maxima/squamosa hybrid. Did Aaron find it for you in Thailand
You thought that too?? I was wondering that myself but Chad (ReefScience) assured me it was a Maxima from Vietnam. I think you and I are right
Does that make it worth more now?I wish Aaron would bring me back something!! Did you check out his trip blog?
Solitaryensis
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13745385#post13745385 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AgentSPS
You thought that too?? I was wondering that myself but Chad (ReefScience) assured me it was a Maxima from Vietnam. I think you and I are right
I wish Aaron would bring me back something!! Did you check out his trip blog?
HAHA. If you had a site, im sure you could sell it for 10 times what you paid
In the description, just include "rare", "tyree" and "hybrid" 
When I first saw it, I thought it was a blue squamosa, which, as of late, seems to be very difficult to come by. I've been told that Vietnam is the next place where well be seeing nice clams and lots of softies. Based on the limited view of the shell, it looks to be a Max but then again, im not sure what would happen to the shell if two clams decided to hybridize. I suppose its possible, given how clams reproduce. Either way, very nice clam. And yes, ive been reading the blog. Must be nice huh? :rollface:
AgentSPS
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13745413#post13745413 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Solitaryensis
HAHA. If you had a site, im sure you could sell it for 10 times what you paid
Based on the limited view of the shell, it looks to be a Max but then again, im not sure what would happen to the shell if two clams decided to hybridize. I suppose its possible, given how clams reproduce. Either way, very nice clam. And yes, ive been reading the blog. Must be nice huh? :rollface:
Maybe we could have Steve cross breed with the clam and then it we could create our own sea monster and rule the worlds oceans? [Good thing Steve doesn't cruise RC anymore!!]
I almost bought one of the blue squamosa's from Chad a few years back when he had them but just could not justify the cost for an animal I can't frag!! Too much risk. In fact, I had offers for over $600 for my all green teardrop back in the day. In retrospect i probably should have sold it. If the blue squamosas that Chad had looked like the one below, it would be a different story!
<img src=http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r23/edr42/Reef%20Liveaboard%20Trip/ReefLiveaboardTrip2007-438.jpg>
Hybrid maxima/squamosas shells are more like squamosas with the very large scutes on the shell. This one has has many of the scutes broken off but the ones remaining are pretty large. This article explains in detail how to tell them apart:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-07/jf/feature/index.php
I will have to take a closer examination this weekend!
As for Vietnam, clams have been coming out of there for some time. All the nicest clams I have ever seen originated from Vietnam. I think the mariculture facilities need to start sourcing some really unique clams for their brood stock. Then maybe we would see more than just the common blue mantle stuff they are producing now. Their clams are nice but often way too small and not unique.
AgentSPS
New member
Hybrid Maxima/Squamosa?
Hybrid Maxima/Squamosa?
Well I decided to consult the experts. I contacted James Fatheree. James is the author of the aforementioned Reefkeeping article and Giant Clams in the Sea and Aquarium book.
James commented that he has done extensive research on the matter and has concluded that there is no evidence for hybrid tridacnid clams. Since he has obviously done more research than myself, not to mention most of us hobbyists, I will take his word for it.
Instead he has labeled it a:
To quote James:
"What you have is an exceptionally nice squamosa - wish I had one like that! It does look a lot like a teardrop, but the pattern is different though. Unusual, but not a hybrid..."
Hybrid Maxima/Squamosa?
Well I decided to consult the experts. I contacted James Fatheree. James is the author of the aforementioned Reefkeeping article and Giant Clams in the Sea and Aquarium book.
James commented that he has done extensive research on the matter and has concluded that there is no evidence for hybrid tridacnid clams. Since he has obviously done more research than myself, not to mention most of us hobbyists, I will take his word for it.
Instead he has labeled it a:
To quote James:
"What you have is an exceptionally nice squamosa - wish I had one like that! It does look a lot like a teardrop, but the pattern is different though. Unusual, but not a hybrid..."
AgentSPS
New member
Fairweather Reefers
Fairweather Reefers
Is it me or do the forums seems particularly slow? Nobody seems to be posting anymore. This is starting to take on the feel of a blog.
Hello hello hello is there anybody out there?? Just nod if you can here me..... Is there anyone home?
Fairweather Reefers
Is it me or do the forums seems particularly slow? Nobody seems to be posting anymore. This is starting to take on the feel of a blog.
Hello hello hello is there anybody out there?? Just nod if you can here me..... Is there anyone home?
stunreefer
Reef Hugger
:lol:
Yea, I've noticed that too lately... I was out of town for a couple weeks and would only occasionally check my subscribed threads from my phone. When I got back I expected TONS of "catch-up" would have to be done, and I feel like I never left!
SWEET clam BTW! :thumbsup:
Yea, I've noticed that too lately... I was out of town for a couple weeks and would only occasionally check my subscribed threads from my phone. When I got back I expected TONS of "catch-up" would have to be done, and I feel like I never left!
SWEET clam BTW! :thumbsup:
AgentSPS
New member
Thanks Stun-
I knew I could count on you to post Trying to make the thread somewhat conversational ya know!
So here is a start:
I ordered a Maculiceps from the wholesaler the other day and upon arrival at my buddy's house, he did what seemed to be a fairly standard acclimation. He floated the bag until temps matched and then did a gradual addition of tank water to the bag for probably an hour. I picked up the tang later that evening and placed in my QT tank.
The next day I noticed that the fish was breathing quite fast and kept its night coloration throughout the day. It also was not swimming around but rather just holding in one place with pectoral fins touching bottom.
Another two days went buy and breathing slowed but coloration still seemed to be in 'night mode'. Fish was still not swimming around and also showed no interest in food.
Finally on the 4th day I observed the fish for about an hour and noticed it was not reacting to stimulus in its environment. Other fish would come right up to its face and no reaction. This is when it dawned on me that, despite it having perfectly clear eyes, it might be blind. So I went in there and did a few tests to confirm. flashing bright flashlight, placing rod right next to its face, I finally went in with a net and had no trouble at all scooping it right out. There was not even a reaction to the net.
Convinced that I had a bad fish I called the wholesaler and he grilled me on our acclimation method. When he learned we did not do a slow 3 hour drip, he told us that we caused ammonia burns. He too was a bit baffled by the fact the fish had clear eyes and was still blind. He claimed that the likely cause of the fish not showing interest in food was damage to the kidneys.
As of last night the fish was a little more active (still not swimming around). It is maintaining normal 'day' coloration. It is also showing a little more interest in food but is not able to locate it.
QUESTION:
1) Do you concur with this diagnosis? If not then what could it be?
2) Will the vision return? If so how long?
3) How do you explain the blindness despite the clear eyes?
4) Do you think the fish can/will recover?
5) How can I nurse this thing back to health?
6) Am I a bad guy for not doing a 3 hour drip?
I posted on the Reef Fish Forum as well. Not surprisingly it radio silence:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1514554
I knew I could count on you to post
Trying to make the thread somewhat conversational ya know!So here is a start:
I ordered a Maculiceps from the wholesaler the other day and upon arrival at my buddy's house, he did what seemed to be a fairly standard acclimation. He floated the bag until temps matched and then did a gradual addition of tank water to the bag for probably an hour. I picked up the tang later that evening and placed in my QT tank.
The next day I noticed that the fish was breathing quite fast and kept its night coloration throughout the day. It also was not swimming around but rather just holding in one place with pectoral fins touching bottom.
Another two days went buy and breathing slowed but coloration still seemed to be in 'night mode'. Fish was still not swimming around and also showed no interest in food.
Finally on the 4th day I observed the fish for about an hour and noticed it was not reacting to stimulus in its environment. Other fish would come right up to its face and no reaction. This is when it dawned on me that, despite it having perfectly clear eyes, it might be blind. So I went in there and did a few tests to confirm. flashing bright flashlight, placing rod right next to its face, I finally went in with a net and had no trouble at all scooping it right out. There was not even a reaction to the net.
Convinced that I had a bad fish I called the wholesaler and he grilled me on our acclimation method. When he learned we did not do a slow 3 hour drip, he told us that we caused ammonia burns. He too was a bit baffled by the fact the fish had clear eyes and was still blind. He claimed that the likely cause of the fish not showing interest in food was damage to the kidneys.
As of last night the fish was a little more active (still not swimming around). It is maintaining normal 'day' coloration. It is also showing a little more interest in food but is not able to locate it.
QUESTION:
1) Do you concur with this diagnosis? If not then what could it be?
2) Will the vision return? If so how long?
3) How do you explain the blindness despite the clear eyes?
4) Do you think the fish can/will recover?
5) How can I nurse this thing back to health?
6) Am I a bad guy for not doing a 3 hour drip?
I posted on the Reef Fish Forum as well. Not surprisingly it radio silence:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1514554
GSMguy
New member
I don't think your acclimation process is the problem, i have never heard a fish going blind from poor acclimation, there are lots of thinks that can go wrong but blindness seems far fetched.
i wonder if the fish is just sick and that is causing him to not be able to react? i doubt a blind tang could last long in the wild so it wasn't like that when it was collected.
i wonder if the fish is just sick and that is causing him to not be able to react? i doubt a blind tang could last long in the wild so it wasn't like that when it was collected.
Robert4025
Member
Re: Latest Addition
Re: Latest Addition
Those clams are so sexy, I'd cheat on my wife for them! hehe.
Hey...I am heading down south on the 25th to hit up as many suppliers as possible...got anything you want me to bring back for you? I'll probably be back on the 27th. Shoot me an email if you need anything.
Re: Latest Addition
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13739131#post13739131 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AgentSPS
Black and Blue Teardrop Maxima!
Crossing my fingers that it survives! In my last tank all my clams got wiped out by that dreaded clam disease. After losing my all green teardrop that I had for 3 years I vowed I would never do a clam again but alas I could not resist!
Those clams are so sexy, I'd cheat on my wife for them! hehe.
Hey...I am heading down south on the 25th to hit up as many suppliers as possible...got anything you want me to bring back for you? I'll probably be back on the 27th. Shoot me an email if you need anything.
maxxII
Super Housemonkey!
Ammonia becomes more dangerous in warmer water. I'm assuming that you guys picked up the fish straight from the wholesaler where it had been shipped from where ever it had been caught? If so, its possible that ammonia burns are the case....
Any critter caught, bagged, and shipped for several hours in a small container is going to release some ammonia. This ammonia will also depress the pH of the water in the container...
typically, the temp will be depressed as well....
Floating the bag in your system to raise the temp will cause issues with ammonia, unless something is done. I have seen Amquel or Ammo Lock etc used at the beginning of acclimation to bind the ammonia up and lessen this issue. I've never used it in acclimating my mail order critters and never had this issue.
Doing a 3 hour acclimation shouldnt make a difference in terms of ammonia based on the information you're giving us. Did the wholesaler say to do something different beyond the 3 hour acclimation process? Add Amquel, etc?
If the wholesaler knew this could be a problem, why didnt he tell you about it in advance?
I dont think your chances of success with keeping this fish alive are good.
Nick
AgentSPS
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13784366#post13784366 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by spsfreak
"Hello hello hello is there anybody out there?? Just nod if you can here me..... Is there anyone home"
Classic, this is some of the best Pink Floyd made....LOL good stuff.
DING DING DING
Robert4025
Member
Re: Latest Addition
Re: Latest Addition
Those clams are so sexy, I'd cheat on my wife for them! hehe.
Hey...I am heading down south on the 25th to hit up as many suppliers as possible...got anything you want me to bring back for you? I'll probably be back on the 27th. Shoot me an email if you need anything.
Re: Latest Addition
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13739131#post13739131 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AgentSPS
Black and Blue Teardrop Maxima!
Crossing my fingers that it survives! In my last tank all my clams got wiped out by that dreaded clam disease. After losing my all green teardrop that I had for 3 years I vowed I would never do a clam again but alas I could not resist!
Those clams are so sexy, I'd cheat on my wife for them! hehe.
Hey...I am heading down south on the 25th to hit up as many suppliers as possible...got anything you want me to bring back for you? I'll probably be back on the 27th. Shoot me an email if you need anything.
AgentSPS
New member
Yes no blind fish would last long in the wild. Something definitely happened in captivity. Our rep claims that the fish was eating and swimming around the tank when he selected it for us. I tend to trust him as he refused to send us Maculiceps from their previous 3 shipments due to poor health of the specimens.
AgentSPS
New member
Maxx-
Good stuff! You stated it exactly how our rep did. He did ask about the use of any ammonia detox. Key part I forgot to mention. I don't think anything was used.
I too fear that there may be nothing I can do to help this poor fish. The rep did say there is a chance the vision will come back. he also said that if there is no kidney damage, and vision is restored, there is a good chance it can pull through. Fortunately it is pretty fat so I think it could last another week without eating.
One thing someone mentioned was that the symptoms sounded like oxygen deprivation. Thoughts about that?
AgentSPS
New member
Hi Mark. It happens! Just feel bad if its something I did. I feel like those fools who start an SPS tank without ever educating themselves. Before they know it, they have buckets of coral skeletons in their garage! Well then again most of us who know what we are doing still have buckets of skeletons. At least we know what to do with it....reactor media anyone?
I got it from Sea Dwelling Creatures in LA
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