Dead Clam ???

[whowadat]

Recently received shipment of a clam. It arrived partially open, approximately 3/4" with mantle recessed inside. Appears to be dead although still has some color. Left overnight no change and I am concerned about its quick decomposing jacking up ammonia.

How do I know if its dead and how should I dispose of it ?


Thanks for your time.

 

[Numsee]

If its still alive it should close up when you run your hand over it, If you move it and it does nothing it is dead. Id seal it in a plastic bag and pitch it.

 

[bsclarinet]

You could always sniff it....If it stinks, you know it's dead.

 

[Day With 2 Suns]

Clam

Clam

Was the water cloudy in the bag? I 2nd it, sniff if?

 

[DSR]

If it doesn't react to you running your hand over the top of it, then it is not doing well. Also, when they die they generally lose control over their abductor muscles and will gap wide open. Sorry for your loss.

 

[a4twenty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15533374#post15533374 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DSR
lose control over their abductor muscles and will gap wide open.

not to be a smart ***, just a small correction for clarification.....

technically it's the adductor muscles. an abductor is used to spread apart while an adductor is used to pull together.

HTH