Busom buddy clam problem

[tozeman]

I have a squamosa clam and a smaller maxima clam on the sand bed. They are both fine - except the maxima's foot has attached to the base of the squamosa. The squamosa has tried to move - dragging along the other clam in the process. But as a result of where their attached, the squamosa is now nearly on its side and the maxima is at a 45 degree angle. Both have been like this for about a week, have fully extended mantles and otherwise seem happy. Should I leave well enough alone? I thought about putting them both up on a rock to see if the maxima would shift it's foot off. My luck the squamosa would try to wander and they'd both fall.

Knowing the ideal is to have them standing straight up, is this a long-term problem for these clams?

 

[holeinone1972]

You may easily separate these two buddies, with a very clean very sharp razor or knife. Just push them apart a little, and cut the byssal threads on the clam that is attached to the others shell. Just take you time and only cut the threads.

Best of luck, Rob'

 

[tozeman]

Thanks Rob. I'll go buy some razor blades and perform some surgery.