damage to the mantle

[Sid]

If a clam gets damage to its mantle can it recover from it or even grow it back?

 

[cromax]

Yes! Damaged sections of mantles most certainly do grow back. After they grow back, the zooxanthellae slowly grows back as well - but it might not grow back the same pattern or coloration in the regrown section.

 

[wayner1]

What about a mantle that has a tear/rip in it, will it heal?

 

[cromax]

Yes. Think of mantles roughly as skin. They will heal, but if the damage is serious enough, a scar or irregularity in the mantle can be seen.

I have had a ripped mantle on a 3" maxima at the end of the mantle from the outer edge to almost the incurrent siphon. So long as the pieces of mantle are connected somewhere, it will close. In my experience mantles are slow to heal and even slower to regrow their algae.

Just be sure whatever caused the mantle to rip or be torn in the first place is eliminated.

 

[Sid]

cheers mate, answered it in one. (well two)