cherrystone clam question

[lionbacker54]

mantis shrimp owner here. just wondering if anyone out there has ever put clams or mussels purchased from a grocery store in their tank. i know it seems silly, but someone i know did this and the clams (i think cherrystone) are doing fine. i have heard some people argue that this would be an inexpensive live food source for some animals (lobsters, mantis shrimp, starfish), but something just seems risky about it to me.

any thoughts from clam experts? i realize you are probably more used to questions about more unique and beautiful clams.

 

[Myrddraal]

I have a few littleneck steamers in my tank from the grocery store. One has died, but the other two are still alive. They move around in the sand every once in a while. I've had them for about 8 months.

 

[Crustman]

I think you could introduce parasites to Tridacna from these. Many of the clams we eat come from cold temperate waters. Our reef aquaria are warm.

 

[lionbacker54]

yeah, something just seems weird about it. maybe it is the cold vs. warm water thing

 

[Juruense]

I have had a cherrystone from the grocery store in my tank for 4 months, he is doing well.