Generic clam question subject :)

[Steve973]

Hi All,

I have what I believe is a crocea clam, even though it was sold as an "ultra maxima". It's a "taller" clam with bumps on its mantle. I have live phytoplankton for feeding, and I have 150 watts above its 18 gallon home. I see a steady stream of mucous excretion (clam poop) and I see growth on its shell, so i'm assuming doing fairly well. How do I judge its mantle extension and color? I want to be sure it's doing as well as possible, and I'd like a few pointers.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[mbbuna]

post pics.top down and side of shell

 

[Steve973]

I will when I can... No camera here.

 

[Scuba Dog]

Without pics its difficult to tell...if the shell is smooth then thats a sing of being a crocea ir it has scutes or ridges then its a sign of being a maxima....and you can tell by the mantel patern as well.......just look at lots of clam pics that are labeled as a crocea and a maxima and you will learn the difference...

 

[Steve973]

It has ridges, and it grows by adding new ridges to the shell. So then the pet store was truthful. How could I move the clam if I need to? I will be moving the tank in a little while.

 

[mbbuna]

croceas have scales at the uper rim

 

[calvin415]

So is this a typical growth pattern for a crocea? The shell is growing outward rather than upward....

http://www.nano-reef.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9713

 

[mbbuna]

yes it looks fine,they will grow like that and then up and then like that ect................