Help ID my first clam...

[theearthling]

Well, this is probably an easy one, but I picked up my first clam today. What species is it? It's about 2.5 inches long.

 

[SeanT]

Crocea?

 

[kali77]

Sorry SeanT I am going to have to disagree, It is a Maxima

Gene

 

[SeanT]

lol not a problem Gene,
My 'big' guess came from the coloration.
The shell looks nothing like my crocea.
Time to buy the "Big Book of Clams" for me.

 

[Project Reef]

The colors of your T. Maxima look really cool through the side panel. Can you post a picture from the top? Probably a really cool green color. Good find.

 

[kali77]

SeanT,
That is a great book

I would also like to see a top down shot, I am sure it is a really outstanding tourquoise!

Gene

 

[newbyreef]

it's a 1st grade T. Maxima

it's a 1st grade T. Maxima

definitely a Maxima clam.

HTH
Dan

 

[Project Reef]

Re: it's a 1st grade T. Maxima

Re: it's a 1st grade T. Maxima

definitely a Maxima clam.

HTH
Dan

Newbyreef, it's an Ultra Maxima, not a first grade. Just wait until he posts the picture from above, you'll be able to tell in a second.

 

[theearthling]

Well my lights aren't on, yet (they're kind of on a shifted schedule), but here's one I took with a high powered flashlight last night. Definitely some green:

I'll post a shot from above as soon as I can.

 

[Jimbo327]

What is the difference with 1st grade and ultra clams? How can you guys tell? I thought it was just a marketing gimmick.

Jim

 

[Project Reef]

Jimbo First class clams are generally purple/dark purple blue, perhaps with black strips, purple striped, very basic looking.

Ultra clams, are the colored clams, turquoise, green, etc, etc, with intricate patterns and designs. There is a dramatic difference between them.

Many vendors, including some sponsers on this site, label 1st grade clams as ultras. It's not really a marketing term, although at the same time it IS a marketing term. Afterall, what freaking label in this society is not a form of marketing.

 

[Project Reef]

One final comment.

ALL clams are awesome and beautiful, whether, first grade, gold, or ultra.

There is something special about clams.

 

[theearthling]

Here are a couple of shots from above:

Here it is in my hand to give an idea of its size:

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.