bigworm616
New member
i really want a tridacna clam but im not really sure what to look for. I saw one at the lfs but im not sure if its in good health. If anyone could help that would be great.
clam signs
- Thread starter bigworm616
- Start date
Froggy
Reef "Hobbyist"...right!?
Assuming that you are set with your tank and ready to add a clam. Some things to look for :
Make sure that the clams mantle is expanded and hanging over the edge of its shell when not disturbed. Some clams expand more than others but keep this in mind. You do not want the clam to look withdrawn.
Look to see that its mouth is NOT gaping and showing a very wide appearance
Look to see if it is showing bright, vibrant colors and not looking "washed out"
Clams should also respond to changes in light. Wave your hand above the clam causing a shadow. Do not physically touch the clam but just cast a shadow. The clam should respond to this and withdraw its mantle somewhat. It will then fully expand again after the shadow is removed.
When the clam is picked up, it should close completely and tightly fairly quickly. It probably will not snap shut but a healthy clam will surely close completely fairly quickly when picked up.
If all of the above look well, inspect the clams shell ( especially on the bottom) for small snails that are predatory to clams. I cannot remember the name of the snails sorry. I hope this helps. Good luck !!
Make sure that the clams mantle is expanded and hanging over the edge of its shell when not disturbed. Some clams expand more than others but keep this in mind. You do not want the clam to look withdrawn.
Look to see that its mouth is NOT gaping and showing a very wide appearance
Look to see if it is showing bright, vibrant colors and not looking "washed out"
Clams should also respond to changes in light. Wave your hand above the clam causing a shadow. Do not physically touch the clam but just cast a shadow. The clam should respond to this and withdraw its mantle somewhat. It will then fully expand again after the shadow is removed.
When the clam is picked up, it should close completely and tightly fairly quickly. It probably will not snap shut but a healthy clam will surely close completely fairly quickly when picked up.
If all of the above look well, inspect the clams shell ( especially on the bottom) for small snails that are predatory to clams. I cannot remember the name of the snails sorry. I hope this helps. Good luck !!
bigworm616
New member
thanks for you help, but i was also wondering if the clams have a foot or appendages they use to anchor themselves.
Froggy
Reef "Hobbyist"...right!?
Depending on the type of clam they do different things. They all have byssus glands located on the bottom of their shell. Some clams rely heavily on their byssal threads to attach themselves securly to their substrate ( Rock, sand etc) Some clams can even bore through rock over time and you will only see the mantle . Derasa clams prefer to sit on a sand bed but will attach to rubble etc on the sand by use of their byssus gland. Different ridacna clams require different lighting and placement as far as current and substrate to thrive. Derasa clams are one of the easier ones, less light demanding, and you can just place them on your sand bed.
