clam accident

[Sloeber]

i had a rock slide this morning while working in the tank. the rocks slammed into my 4 year old derasa. it did not crack the shell (like it did 3 years ago), but instead, twisted it. imagine taking each clam shell in one hand and twisting. that is what happened. the clam was unable to close because the shell was not lined up properly. i presume it severely stretched, if not tore the outer and inner ligaments.

i realligned the shell so it was back to normal, or as close as possible, and closed the shell completely. it is open right now, and appears normal.

is this clam doomed? as i noted above, i cracked the shell roughly 3 years ago. the cracked piece fell off, but the clam regrew this part of the shell in due time. however, i'm concerned i tore something this time and it is not repairable.

thoughts?

TIA

henry

 

[firechild]

I think for this, only time will tell. If the clam is opening it is a good sign (provided it can also close itself). In clams it takes energy to stay open and relaxed state is closed so opening means it is probably strong enough to keep some physiological processes going. I am sure this is a very unusual occurence so chances are nobody will be able to give you a defiite answer.

Good luck,
Aaron.

 

[Project Reef]

Henry, do a search on "scar" and jim norris. It'll spark some motivation for you.

 

[blulegend]

In clams it takes energy to stay open and relaxed state is closed so opening means it is probably strong enough to keep some physiological processes going.

I always thought the relaxed state was open.

 

[Sloeber]

UPDATE

UPDATE

it is now nearing on 3 months after the accident. i wanted to update this thread just incase this happens to someone else they have some reference of what is ahead.

my clam seemed to not even notice the damage. once the lights turned on it appeared normal and has continued to do very well since. it has laid down new shell, and thus i no longer fear losing this clam because of this accident.

i have noted a few observations, however. this clam is no longer able to support itself or adjust itself into an upright position. it was able to do this prior to the accident. thus, about every 3 - 5 days i need to reposition the clam such that it is facing up. otherwise, if i don't, it'll be laying flat on its side within 7 days. for some reason it always falls to the same side. i presume it would not recieve adequate light in this position. also, the clam shell still does not line up properly, and is very loose. when the clam is laying on a 45 degree angle and i adjust it so it is upright, i can visibly see the 2 halves realign themselves. lastly, the clam no longer opens nearly as much as it used to. if i use the pre-accident opening as a guide and name it 100%, i'd have to roughly guess the clam now opens about 75 - 80%.

HTH

henry