Is my clam gaping?

[Flipturn88]

I've had this guy for a few days now. He is a hippo clam, and he opens up nicely during the day and responds well to shadows. I know that hippos do not extend their mantle beyond their shell, but I was wondering if the incurrent syphon is gaping and if he looks normal. Here is a pic:

Thanks,
Kayla

 

[Strandedthinker]

How quick are his reactions?

 

[Flipturn88]

Almost immeditatley. I've read that new clams often gape, and the larger ones (gigas and derasa) often do as well. I have had it for a few days (I think 4).

 

[Strandedthinker]

Quick reactions is usually a sign of good health. I would do some searches on google for clam gaping.

 

[Flipturn88]

Alright, thanks. I have looked through here @ RC and it's not uncommon for the bigger of the T. clams...hippos get to be 18."

 

[CTN1983]

I don't think its really gaping, looks like a healthy clam to me.

 

[Barry N.]

Shows a little sign of gapping but not much so I wouldn't worry too much at this time.

 

[Flipturn88]

Thanks for the help! He looks even better this morning, so I think he'll be fine. This is my first clam, so I was a bit worried .

Thanks again,
Kayla

 

[zonco]

is this a (Hippopus hippopus) clam if so I have seen a few and would say that they always seem to be wide when they are open or gaping! but not as in gapping the bad way.

 

[Flipturn88]

Thanks! This is a Hippopus hippopus...I have had many people tell me that gaping like this from this species isn't uncommon. Thanks for the reassurance--he is looking good .

 

[Project Reef]

Looks healthy, don't sweat it. These are very hardy clams.

 

[Reefmaniac1]

Gaping has nothing to do with the inhalent (the opening in the pic) or the exhalent valves. In fact, if the inhalent is that wide, it's a good thing, since he is trying to feed.

Gaping is when the mantle pulls away from the shell, and you can see between the matle and the shell.

From what I can tell in the pic, that is a healthy clam! Enjoy!

 

[Flipturn88]

Good. This was all music to my ears. Thanks again!

Kayla

 

[majesticangelfish]

Looks healthy, and sweet to!, my clam did the exact same thing for about 2days.

Josh

 

[Reefmaniac1]

Glad to be able to ease your fears.

Might I make a suggestion though? Find a good book on clams and read up. Reefing is like playing any sport: You aren't going to be any good at all if you don't know the rules.

 

[Flipturn88]

Thanks for the suggestion. I have read a lot of books on clams, but none stated that hippos gape. They mentioned other larger, deep-water clams to gape (such as T. gigas), so I was unsure when I saw my clam react in this way.

Thanks again for the help!