clams rubbing elbows

[scarter]

I just bought two clams and they were placed seperately in the tank but have moved and are now touching eachother. The mantles overlap sometimes. Is this ok? or should I try to move them apart again?

 

[mbbuna]

its ok if they touch but if one keeps shielding the other from the light it may loose color in the shaded spot and can lead to trouble

 

[scarter]

does it matter if they are not of the same species?
should I move them now, they have only been in there for a week? or, should I just keep an eye on them?

sorry, I know the questions are silly but I am new to clams.

 

[marilynrn711]

I have a baby crocea that ends up returning to sit next to my large crocea. They are touching as well. Seems like the baby thinks the larger clam is protecting it. Maybe just my imagination.

 

[mbbuna]

the dont do chemical warfare like corals so its fine if they touch, but if one isnt getting the light it need it can cause problems. if you need to move it just tip it to the side and take a sharp knife and cut the byssal threads as far away from the clam as you can

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

do they recover from that or a razor cut well, if properly kept?

 

[mbbuna]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7481315#post7481315 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by E-A-G-L-E-S
do they recover from that or a razor cut well, if properly kept?

the byssal threads are only a glandular secretion. they have no blood flow, nerve endings so the clam wont feel a thing.

as long as you stay away from the gland the clam will be just fine

 

[scarter]

thanks

 

[Snprhed]

Its like getting a hair cut for them