Clam ID Please

[Eb0la11]

Hey guys,

I just got a new clam for my tank that's pretty massive. I think I got a steal of a deal but I'm not sure. Can anyone help tel me what kind of clam this is and what it might be worth?? It's 10 inches across when closed. When fanned out like in the pic its got the diameter of a basketball for sure. Thanks!

 

[DJREEF]

T squamosa - could b a hybrid, too though. Give us a better shot of the shell. Retail on these can be $200+ for a clam that size.

DJ

 

[Eb0la11]

More Pics

More Pics

So this is my first clam, I've done solid research to make sure Im ready for it. I hope I am. I got good lighting with 250W MHs and 96W actinics, also a good skimmer, refugium, large system with sump. Total volume of water I have is about 200 Gallons so hopefully this guy thrives in my tank.

I just wanted to know, is it bad to scare the clam to close up a bit? I mean, my hands are in the tank quite a bit and it startles it. I don't do it on purpose but a couple times a day I'm in there. Is this fine?

Here are some more pics of the clam to help identify it more:

I had to scare him a little to get this picture below so we can get a good shot of the shell:

 

[mscarpena]

Looks like a squamy to me. Price I dont know hard to say. I agree $200.00 or so.

 

[Eb0la11]

Geez, I got it for 40 bucks... lol. The guy is loaded who sold it to me though, so I don't think he cares that he let it go for so cheap. He had loads of other unbelievable things in his tank.

Thanks guys, so what distinguishing features make you think its a squamosa?

 

[DJREEF]

Yea, some folks are just concerned that the animal is cared for. You basically paid a "relocation fee" for an awesome critter. Brace yourself, that guy's gonna start soaking the Ca++, and carbonate out of your system like a sponge.


DJ

 

[Eb0la11]

Thanks DJ,

I already got a log book tracking how much calcium, baking soda, mg to add and I'll take note of the changes after the addition of the clam.

 

[DJREEF]

Good job. Keep us up to date on his progress.

DJ

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Wow! you got a fantastic deal and it sounds like you are ready for the upkeep for such a large clam. Congrats!