clam question

[bill37]

What does it mean when a clam is gapping? Is it bad? how serious?

Thanks,

Bill

 

[Peabody]

It usually referrs to when the incurrent syphon is open, often as a round of oval hole as opposed to the "normal" way it is, like a slit. I think the technical definition is when the clam looses the use of it's adductor muscle.

Gaping can be the sign of a serious problem of serious stress.....what kind of clam do you have, and what are your lights?

 

[bill37]

I have a squamosa about 3 1/2 to 4". 130 watts of pc lighting in a 20 gal.

 

[Peabody]

Is he "gaping"? Any changes in water chemistry?

 

[bill37]

I am not sure. The hole is open though. It looks healthy. Water parameters are as follows:

Ca 450-500
ph 8.4
Alk normal
nitrates 0.0

 

[Peabody]

It may be nothing to worry about. He might be just fine....just keep your temp and salinity rock steady. (HAve you checked your salinity with a refractometer, or at least checked your hydrometer against one.....swing arm hydrometers can be WAY off!)

 

[bill37]

No I have not. I will do that tomorrow.

Temp 78

Salinity 1.027. seems a bit high

 

[Peabody]

It might be even higher than that.....my old hydrometer read at 1.025, and it turned out with a refractometer to be closer to 1.029.

I still have a sneaking suspicious that your clam is fine, but it still doesn't hurt to check!

 

[bill37]

thanks for the help I will let you know the results.