Gigas clam bysal problem.

[MarkS]

When I bought my gigas, I noticed that the bysal gland was missing. I do not know much about clams, but have read that gigas' either lose or stop using the gland after a certain age, so I was not too concerned.

The truth is that the clam is doing very well. It expands greatly and is showing signs of growth. However, the gaping hole concerns me. The good news is that the hole is closing. The opening in the pic is less than 1/2 the size it was when I bought the clam.

Should I be concerned? The opening is healing shut and the clam does not appear to be stressed in any way. I just want to be sure.

 

[mbbuna]

what makes you tjink the byssal gland is missing?
what kind of snail is that in the pic?

 

[MarkS]

what makes you tjink the byssal gland is missing?
what kind of snail is that in the pic?

Well, the gaping hole where the gland should be was my first clue...

It's a Cerith snail.

 

[critterkeeper]

Unfortunately, I see no signs of growth. No new, white shell material at the edges.

Also, clams can produce and then free themselves from a byssus, which is made of fibers created by the byssal gland. They do not spontaneously lose the gland itself. Your clam look small enough that it might still produce a byssus, maybe, but only if you position it correctly with the byssal opening facing downwards, and in contact with some coral rubble or rock, etc.

 

[mbbuna]

Well, the gaping hole where the gland should be was my first clue...

It's a Cerith snail.

if your referring to the hole that you can see in the pic,thats not where the byssal gland is. as critterkeeper said they can release and reattach there byssal threads,but when they grow larger they rely on there mass to hold them in place,so they dont need to attach with there threads anymore

 

[MarkS]

Unfortunately, I see no signs of growth. No new, white shell material at the edges.

Actually, it did show new growth shortly after I bought it. However, I accidentally chiped it off when handling the clam while checking for parasites. It was only 1/8" of growth, but it showed up after I added it to my tank. I need to test my calcium levels, but I'm dosing kalk with my top off water. I was dosing Kent's Liquid Calcium, but I ran out and am flat broke after replacing my car's alternator. I'll start that back up ASAP.

Also, clams can produce and then free themselves from a byssus, which is made of fibers created by the byssal gland. They do not spontaneously lose the gland itself. Your clam look small enough that it might still produce a byssus, maybe, but only if you position it correctly with the byssal opening facing downwards, and in contact with some coral rubble or rock, etc.

The clam in on a piece of live rock buried just under the sand. I can see bysal threads attaching to the live rock. This is the first time I've seen this on this clam. I would still like to know why the clam has an opening in that location. I've never seen a clam with an opening there.

 

[mbbuna]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=698821

the first pic show's the same hole in a crocea,its normal and part of the byssal opening

 

[MarkS]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=698821

the first pic show's the same hole in a crocea,its normal and part of the byssal opening

Thanks! Good to know. Now I just need to find my Ca test kit...