karimwassef
Active member
I have a 660 gallon system.
Gigas - any sources?
- Thread starter karimwassef
- Start date
GriffinMarsh
Member
Oh a 660 sure is the space to keep one. I hope you have a ton of open sand space ready if you come across one!
karimwassef
Active member
All my sand bottom is open. I have a suspended rockspace that I can move from overhead.
GriffinMarsh
Member
Ok, now I hope you are lucky in finding one! And then post lots of pictures.
karimwassef
Active member
thank you!
mcginnisandrew
New member
I was snorkeling on the great barrier reef several weeks ago and there were actually dozens of gigas clams (and Crocea) clams. I was not expecting to see so many gigas but there they were
karimwassef
Active member
How big were they? I hope the population takes off again.
mcginnisandrew
New member
I'd say they were on average about a meter long or maybe a little less. Keep in mind the great barrier reef is a well managed marine protected area, and collecting has not been permitted there since at least 1975 i believe, which probably explains why they were (apparently) so abundant.
karimwassef
Active member
That's great! I think if they come back in the wild, they can eventually be plentiful enough globally for everyone to enjoy again.
mcginnisandrew
New member
Hopefully! The T. Gigas listing on the IUCN red list website says it needs updating so it could be that its population is healthy already. Or maybe not. But even so, as others have said there are probably economic reasons for why it isn't available on the aquarium market
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22137/0
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22137/0
SS_Sean
New member
My local reef store lost his gigas this past summer. It about took out his whole 1500g system when it died. Really unfortunate. The clam was about 30" in my estimation. Super cool creature for the main DT... Those shells are worth a lot of money, also. If I recall correctly, he sold the shells for $800...
AquaTDV
Member
Do you know the story on why the Gigas died?
I have one that is 26" and I have spent more time than I would like to admit thinking about that same scenario, and what I would do if that happened. I have had other clams for over a decade just die on me for know apparent reason. While all other clams in the system appear to be healthy and happy.
karimwassef
Active member
I'm curious too. Any details?
karimwassef
Active member
A death that large should have triggered his ORP and pH readings. My Apex would have been buzzing and texting me like an angry wife!
I also have cameras that I use to watch the tank, sump, equipment, etc...
I also have cameras that I use to watch the tank, sump, equipment, etc...
SS_Sean
New member
Manu des iles
New member
finding gigas
finding gigas
When working in Palau in 2008, there was a state hatchery in which they raised T. gigas, derasa as well as the rare Hippoppus porcelanus. For local reef reseeding AND for trading. I guess they still exist and you may try to find a way to reach them.
A UW picture of one specimen of the broodstock in from of the hatchery
finding gigas
When working in Palau in 2008, there was a state hatchery in which they raised T. gigas, derasa as well as the rare Hippoppus porcelanus. For local reef reseeding AND for trading. I guess they still exist and you may try to find a way to reach them.
A UW picture of one specimen of the broodstock in from of the hatchery
