Clam changing color, is it the lights?

[Mish]

Hi all,

I've had this clam for about 5months, and about a month ago I bought new bulbs for my tank. I am running T5 (not overdriven). The new bulbs are a different band.

Well, I liked the new bulbs, and I'm guessing the clam does too. Check out the color change. Is this posible, Do they change color?

He's gone from mostly blue, to now having an orangish center on his mantle. Pics don't do it justice. I think his markings have changed also. What do you all think?

Before light change

After light change

 

[jmaneyapanda]

Clams can and do respond to lighting changes with color changes. However, I am not sure if that is what your seeing. It almost looks to me like some of the areas might be SLIGHTLY bleaching, maybe from a little overexposure? You would know better than me- is it an orange color, or a brownish blue from absence of zooxanthellae?

 

[Mish]

It looks more orange to me. But his "Stripes" have gone away, and the orange color has taken it's place.

If the clam was getting too much light, wouldn't it move or close up slightly to shade it's self?

 

[jmaneyapanda]

not really- its kinda like people who get sunburnt. They sit out in the sun, like they always have, but dont realized their burnt until their burnt. The clams will bask in the light, because it seems the right thing to do, but the new light intensity goes "unnoticed" and just causes the zooxanthellae to jump ship.

Even if this is the case, good care and husbandry will cause it to heal quickly.

 

[Mish]

I see what you are saying.

I was thinking about moving him down in the tank anyway, would this be a good solution?

 

[jmaneyapanda]

I think he'll adjust. If he's happy where he is, just leave him. If you do think it is starting to bleach worse, maybe consider a move. Again, I dont even know if its bleaching or not. Just keep an eye out.