Getting Clam to "Let Go"

[kysmith]

I bought a clam that is attached to a 5 lb. live rock. I don't want the rock but don't want to hurt the clam when I remove him from it. What is the best way to do this? Should I slowly peel or what?

 

[mbbuna]

dont pull on the clam.



gently tip the clam to one side so you can see the byssal threads, the take a sharp knife and cut the threads as far away from the clam as you can

 

[kysmith]

So you are saying that I can cut whatever he is holding on to the rock with once I tip him on his side? I'm not familiar with the byssal threads.

This will not hurt him?

 

[mbbuna]

the byssal threads are whats holding the clam to the rock. they are a white stringy, fibrous type of fluid the clam secretes from it byssal gland. there is no blood flow or nerve endings in the byssal threads, the clam wont feel a thing. just make sure to cut them as far away from the clam as you can.