Friend or Foe of the Clam?

[StephenEvans]

Today I looked at my clam at night.. and i saw a tiny translucent crab on the fleshy part of the clam (that's the mantle?)...

The picture really can't capture it..

It is small with 2 claws... very light color.. light white to translucent...

It doesn't seem to be eating it.. but is it a friend or foe?

here is a pic.. i tried to capture it..

thanx..

http://www.spymac.com/gallery/show_memberpics.php?memberid=7222

 

[8BALL_99]

Sorry to hijack the thread but I have pretty much the same question. I see noone every responded. I had a clam die. I took it out and removed him from his shell and found 2 of these crabs in the clam itself. I've never seen these kind of crabs before. Anyone have any idea what they are and if there good or bad?
Any help would be great, thanx.

 

[stiffljp]

They are bad!!!! I find they are extremely hard to detect and can decimate alot of clams without the owner ever knowing what going on. For those that have spotted them I would move the clam into isolation and start checking at night when they are more likely to leave the shell. They breed in the substrate so even if you get rid of them now I would keep your eyes open.

Hope that helps

 

[ADS]

I couldn't tell from the photo but could it be a shrimp?
There are translucent, commensal shrimp that can be found in wild clams. They are harmless.
Anything other than acroporid clams around clams are bad news.
Adam

 

[Barry N.]

Here is a picture of the commensal shrimp that Adam refers to.

 

[8BALL_99]

Tys for the replys guys. So there bad, is there any chance there what killed my clam? I had a another clam die about 2 weeks ago and now this one. Just tryen to figure out whats going on. Ive tested my water and everything is fine. Anyone know the name of these guys so I can do some research?

 

[stiffljp]

If I had to guess they are the culprits of the dealths. I would also be careful if you have anymore clams in the tank.