Can clams bleach?

[kevensquint]

I have had a Crocea for a long time now without any problems. I saw a 6" squamosa (brown and yellow) at the LFS for a good price. The clam looks very healthy, only it is under very dim light. Its 20" down in the tank with 1x175 DE 20k bulb over it. Compare this with my 750 watts SE 10k/20k bulbs. So, if clams don't bleach I guess there is no problem. If they do, I have the perfect recipe to bleach this clam, if I get it.

 

[d4a2n0k]

Clams can bleach. They host symbiotic algae just like corals and can expel it when injured or stressed.

Squamosa's are lower light clams but that is a 20k 175w bulb, definitely not the brightest setup. They can be acclimated to more light and yours isnt overkill for a Squammy as long as its in the sand where it belongs.

If its a good deal then jump on it.

 

[The steven liu]

Clams under dim lighting actually will try to store as much zooxanthelae as it can to generate more energy. Therefore instead of bleaching, you clam may become darker in appearance and loose its intense color.