How do you remove a clam from something?

[SaltwaterKid]

I picked up two new clams today that were attached to huge seashells. I took a pair of pliers and broke up one of the seashells leaving only a small piece that his foot was attached to. The shell the other clam is on is a bit thicker and tougher to break. I don't want to risk hurting the clam so I wanted to know if there was a way to gently force a clams "foot" off of it. I tried an icecube since that seems to work with anemones. That didn't work. Any other ideas?

 

[holeinone1972]

What kind of clams are they?

If you must unattach them, let them get acclimated to your system first, then take them off. They are stressed enough usually from tank change.

To remove gently push the clams to one side or another. You should be able to see the byssal threads now. Take a very clean and very sharp knife(Exacto model knife works great) and gently scrape away at the very bottom of the rock. Try to take a small piece of shell by scraping. Or cut very close to shell as possible.

If you have more questions, ask, i will try to help as best as I can.

Rob

 

[SaltwaterKid]

The clam i was able to break the seashell on was a good sized Squamosa. The clam with the seashell i don't want to attempt breaking is a 3-4" Deresa. I can see the byssal threads in the seashell so i guess in a week or so i'll perform a little surgery and see what happens.

 

[holeinone1972]

Just be carefull, use an extremely sharp and clean knife. best of luck, let us know how things turn out for you. Rob'