Is my clam doing what I think he's doing?

[Rendos]

This just happened a few minutes ago. It went on for about 20 minutes. The clam (a 4.5" gold maxima) would expand and contract. When it contracted it would spew this milky stuff...see picture. Is it reproducing? If so, are they asexual or does there have to be another clam in the tank to reproduce? I have other clams in there but they are squamosa's.

 

[acroporas]

Yep its releasing sperm. They are sorta asexual - every adult releases both eggs and sperm, but they cannot self-fertlize. Immature clams only release sperm. Ohh and even if you had another, there is no chance of the babys surviving in your tank.

 

[Rendos]

Is there a reason why the babies would not survive in a tank? Not that I really care to have clam babies, but I would like to know. Also - what should I do about the cloudiness in the tank? Is this event just going to make water quality poor?

 

[acroporas]

I wouldnt worry too much about water quality - worying never helps anything. Water changes do help and take less time.


You can read this for more about raising clams.
http://library.kcc.hawaii.edu/external/ctsa/publications/GCManual.html

 

[mikrok]

cool

 

[thedude]

eeeewww clam spoo.

Probably needs a smoke now, or maybe he started snoring

 

[SurferStevo]

I'd run some carbon. Just to be on the safe side.
Was the clam recently stressed? I've heard of clams doing this after stress.

 

[Rendos]

This is a new clam. It is probably due to shipping stress. The water is back to normal this morning. Thanks for the replies.

 

[quantim0]

very cool event. you're lucky to have witnessed it.

 

[Vili_Shark]

Next time I suggest a water change+new carbon.

Spawning can be dangerous, depends on the biological load, the equipment and the size of the clam.

better be safe than sorry.