Do swimming fish and others bother clams?

[mgk65]

I got a Tridacna maxima clam last month at MACNA last month from Dr. Mac and it has been doing pretty good.

However, it seems my other tank inhabitants seem to be bothering it:

1) Every time my fish swim over it, it retracts. Is this stressful?

2) Occasionally my blue lincka sea star will be attached to the side of the clam. Is this stressful?

This is my first decorative clam (i have some of thise indestructible Florida clams on my rock) and I want to make sure that it is OK.

I also have a vermitid snail that is living in the shell of the clam. I have attached pics of it also. Dr. Ron and Dr. Mac both have said that it is harmless.

Thanks!
mgk

I took some pictures a couple of weeks ago, since then the other snails (cerith, etc) don't get on too often:

Vermitid snail:

 

[MiNdErAsR]

Clams react to shadows. This is a natural defense mechanism. So unless your fish are actually taking nips at the mantle, I wouldn't be too concerned. As for the starfish. Blue linckias won't harm the clam, but it may be irritating to the clam having the starfish climb over it. This should only be temporary, as the starfish moves on in search of food. No worries.

IMO, IME

 

[Gravel]

Red serpent stars

Red serpent stars

Are red serpent stars any issues with clams?

 

[OrionN]

Re: Red serpent stars

Re: Red serpent stars

Are red serpent stars any issues with clams?

No. Red serpent stars should not bother clams.