how do i get a clam off a rock safely?

[bergzy]

hello,

how do i get my gold maxima (that has an aiptasia on it) off a large rock to get rid of the aiptasia.

its foot has a pretty firm hold on the rock.

any help is...well...helpful!

thanks much!

 

[firechild]

You will have to carefully lift the clam slightly off the rock to expose the byssal threads. Then slice as close to the rock as possible across the threads. You may have to do it in halves, once from each side depending on whether the clam is in a groove or if it is very firmly attached.

 

[justletmein]

As firechild said, I used an Exacto (or X-acto?) hobby knife for a quick clean cut. Be very careful not to cut the foot, just the threads.

 

[absolut]

I take it they can reproduce the threads that you cut??

 

[firechild]

They certainly can. They can be produced more or less like hairs so slicing them is not a problem.

 

[SeanT]

Just an FYI,
Once you get the clam off of the rock and rid the aiptasia, if you get an oyster shell and set the clam on that it will attach to the shell.
Then you can set the clam where you want and move it easily in the future.