Is there a clam dr in the house??

[chrisguy]

Found my clam last night had been knocked over. This happens from time to time and I've even let it sit on it's side for a little over a day. The difference is last night I saw the clam tipped over it was all closed. When I looked closer I could see a hitchhiker crab (I've still got a couple) trying to pick at the mantle and there were 2-3 snails (look like mini conchs) and a hermit crab or two picking at the bottom.

I quickly removed the crab and detached the others. When I set the clam upright it did not re-open. I watched it for almost 30 minutes and it did not re-open. During that 30 minutes the hermits and snails all made their way back to the clam so I moved the clam to one of my overflow boxes. Each overflow box is 6" x 6" x 17" and is made from smoked glass. I shut down the MH light for that side only leaving on the dual 110 VHO bulbs for most of the day. I did this because the clam was moved from the bottom of the tank to such a high location. The MH light is on now (will be for a total of 3 hours) and the light is very indirect, so I think it wont be too much. My light is a pendant that is centered on the tank.

The clam's mantle is under about 1" of water. Water movement is good but not too extreme. It has opened a little, but is more closed than opened as compared to normal.

I have had an issue getting this clam (BTW it's a T. Crocea) to attach to a rock. It seems to stay upright for several days to a week + but then will fall or get knocked over. I stand it up and try again, but it falls. I have the clam sitting on a rock in the overflow box.

Is it just a matter of time or do you think it will recover. I am working on pictures but they are difficult considering the clam's location.

 

[dalbrecht]

It's definately been hurt, Crabs typically swarm on a clam when it's seriously injured. I don't have an idea for getting the clam to attach; I think you're doing all you can do. I'm not sure about any reliable ways to glue a clam.

I'm concerned about the "mini conch's" you've described. They could be whelks. These are predatory snails that like nothing more than munching on clams.

 

[chrisguy]

The snails have been in my tank for almost a year (more hitchhikers from Florida LR)) and have not bothered any of the bivalves in the tank. I've had the clam for about 6 weeks and this is the first time I've seen anything go near it like this.

 

[Stephany]

I wonder if something could have gotten inside the foot while it was tipped over... injured tissue and that's when the rest of the guys came along.
I've got mine on a big scallop shell, it scoops up from the rest of the sandbed so its base is kind of protected.. and it's big enough so that it can't really fall outside the shell.
I think you're doing the best you can for it.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Re: Is there a clam dr in the house??

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6795565#post6795565 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chrisguy

Is it just a matter of time or do you think it will recover.

I usually try to remain optimistic- but I think your critters smell free clam chowder.

 

[XeniaMania]

I saw a cleaner shrimp reach into the byssal (foot) opening of a perfectly healthy tipped over clam and killed it instantly within 5 seconds. The clams will attach when they're happy with where they're at (granted it's not attached to a piece of rubble). If your clam is not attaching, it is not happy. I thought my Crocea wouldn't be happy where it's at due to partial shading by my Nepthea, however, trying to move it 2 days later, it was solidly attached.

 

[parkavenuereef]

I agree with everyone, if critters are venturing inside there probably getting a meal.. I would be optimistic for now, but you can sure tell if its dying or dead... take it and give it a good smell, if it smells foul, its a goner.

 

[kase]

the clam is either very injured or it dying that why all the cleaner critter are trying to get to it, that there job to get rid of the dead stuff. sorry to hear that

 

[chrisguy]

Well, the good news is I did the smell test and I did not smell anything foul and today when I got home the clam is very open and looks to be unaffected but the othe days events.

I am going to keep it in the over flow box for several more days to observe and give it a chance to attach to the rock that it's on.

 

[dyeman]

The clam's mantle is under about 1" of water. Water movement is good but not too extreme.

I was told you don't want any movement on the mantle so I try to avoid as much water movement as possible. Had my Crocea for about 8 months now Derasa for about 5. They are doing fine. Crabs and other crustys leave them alone so far

 

[dreaminmel]

Chris,

Does the mantle extend at all or is it just the shell that is open?...

You may want to keep a close eye on it for actual movement... a few years back I had a T. derasa that suddenly died but I thought it was still hanging on because the shell seemed to be opening up from a closed position. After later confirming it was a goner, I was told that a dead clam no longer has control of the muscles that can hold its shell shut so it may appear to open even though its no longer living.

(I've got my fingers crossed for you)

 

[chrisguy]

dreaminmel - Sorry I was not clear. The clam is open and the mantle was extended. It looks "normal".

dyeman - Guess I was also not specific enough on the water movement part. The water movement in the overflow box is very calm (good for a clam). Some people move lots of water through their sumps. I do not.

 

[chrisguy]

Just thought I would give an update on the patient. The clam is doing very well. I took a new rock and used a dremel and cut a nice deep and flat opening. This was to allow the clam a really good spot to attach and provide stability and protection. The clam attached right away and has stuck to it's rock for a couple days. I am going to leave it in the overflow until next weekend and then return it to the tank.

Thanks to all for information provided!