Clam Question

[Auntbeez]

Hi all, I got to take home one of the clams from the last meeting (and am excited to have it), but I had a quick question...

I was told to place him in the sand or in a wedge because he can "jump" off the rocks. Well, my question is, once he has attached his little foot to a rock, will he still think about "jumping" or is he pretty much in place? He is in a good spot so I don't need to move him, but was wondering if they can or have a tendency to move a lot on their own.

Thanks for you input.

 

[jtarmitage]

Usually once they have attached, they tend to stay put. Unless they really don't like where they are at, at which point they will detach and fall. Even in the sand, if they are not satisfied with their location they can tip themselves over and even scoot. I had one that move about 8" across the sand bed until he finally stayed put.

 

[audio101]

I would place a flat rock underneath it in the sand. I tried placing mine higher up and in the middle of my tank and it would keep jumping down until I moved it to the bottom where it has been for the past 6 months.

 

[jtarmitage]

Yeah, I even tried the flat rock idea for both of mine, but to no avail. It usually does work though.

 

[Unarce]

What kind of clam did you get, Barb?

 

[Blu50Stang]

My clam has always been in the same spot. It's perched up on a rock and I can see it's attached. It has jumped. It was a slow process. It "walked" over to the edge, which took about 2 weeks and then for about 3 days, it clung to the edge. I've owned it for about a year and it's only done this once.

 

[Auntbeez]

Thanks for your input.
Unarce: I think it is a Crocea

Here are a couple pictures.
One is from the lower side and the other is from top down.
His average appearence is kinda in between as far as iridescence.

 

[Unarce]

Does look like a crocea Extension looks good.

I like the spot you picked. These belong on hard substrates. Looks very natural. Don't be too alarmed if it does jump or move. The only sure fire way to keep a crocea in one place, is if it's imbedded, which is hard to duplicate in a home aquarium.

 

[Auntbeez]

Thanks Karl, I hope it stays put, I like where it is at.
Do they move because of light, or flow?? (Or no one really knows why)

Again, thanks everyone for your input.

 

[scubajim]

I had a crocea that jumpeda after it attached. I ended up moving my rocks around so he was sort of wedged in a crevice and put him back in the exact same spot and he hasn't moved since. I've noticed they like to have a crevice or ridge to wedge into. hth

 

[Unarce]

Could be a number of reasons. Among clams, crocea are found at the shallowest depth, and are accustomed to high flow. I feel the reason usually is placement.

Crocea are also known as the burrowing clam, and in the wild, are completely buried in the substrate, with just the mantle showing. Placement the way James described, is most ideal.

 

[ahullsb]

Mine seems to be anchored fairly well into a rock in the very middle of my tank. Once it anchored it has never moved since. Sometimes it will twist itself around a little bit. They can't really get too much light can they? There are a few spots that are sort of tan in color where it looks like it's fading a little. Any clue as to why?

Barb that is a good looking clam. How big is it?

 

[Auntbeez]

I think it is small. I don't know how they are normally measured, but I would say it is maybe an inch across and 2 or 2 1/2" long when it is open (like in the picture).

 

[ahullsb]

It's got nice coloration. Mine is more of a flat purple. And tan in places now. Hopefully I will figure out why.

 

[Unarce]

Originally posted by ahullsb
There are a few spots that are sort of tan in color where it looks like it's fading a little. Any clue as to why?

Bleaching in clams are usually due to sudden changes in lighting, temperature, or water quality. I'd be a little concerned about the blotchy color loss. Sometimes this can be attributed to shading. If that's not the case, it could be a contagion.

Only thing you can really do is try and provide it the most stress free environment and hope that it recovers on its own.