Help amphipods eating dersa

[jbittner]

My dersa clam is being attacked by amphipods. about 1/3 to 1/2 of the mantle of my 3" dersa is gone or not expanding. Help with any ideas. Also how can i get him to remove his foot from the rocks. If i can do this I could put him in a plastic cup in the tank to protect him.

 

[delphinus]

It seems to me they shouldn't be attacking the clam. Maybe the clam is distressed and they are capitalizing on its weakness.

How about if you put some food of some kind nearby the clam, a diversion, so that the 'pods will maybe go after that instead, while the clam tries to recover?

I don't really know what to suggest. I'm somewhat new to clams myself. So maybe someone else who REALLY knows what's going on can jump in here and suggest something.

 

[jim norris]

Jbittner,
Removing a clam from a rock is tricky but can be done. My way is I use a razor single edge and while I SLOWLY tilt the clam to one side I cut the tread. Amphipods??? After you remove the clam check it for those nasty (rice) snails. Look in the scales along the mantle and under the clam.
Jim

www.tanku.net

 

[zenya]

Do you mean that mantle is retracted inside of the shell ?How is incurent syphon looking?Is it gaping?If it does,it is probably stressed realy bad.Can you provide some more info about your tank,lights,water params.,inmates
I don't think pods are capable of eating healthy clam and you should check underside of your clam as well to see how bysall looks.

Good luck,
Gene.

 

[Guy]

If amphipods are eating your clam they are most likely consuming dead tissue.