Is this a happy clam? [pic]

[Mr.Yuk]

Hello - My t. crocea has been happily basking at a high spot about 6" beneath my 4x96W PC's for about 7 months, and has been thriving.

Over the last 2 wks he has decided to jump from that spot and settle down in a location about 8" lower down in the tank, putting him about 15" beneath the lights.

I'm not sure what he suddenly became unhappy about up there, but now that he's lower down, I wanted to ask some of you who know more than I do:

Is his mantle over-extended, suggesting the ligthing is too low for him down here?

THanks

 

[Lazyreefer]

lol, I don't know. However.


If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[Mr.Yuk]

I'm glad someone got the joke! Does anyone have a comment though?

 

[sobe1]

Not an expert but it looks good to me. My clam did the same thing, twice. It seems to like it on the bottom more, than on the rocks, so after the second time it jumped, I just left him there.

 

[Saltwater Steve]

I have a similar looking Crocea 12" below 239W of light (175W MH + 2x32W PCs) in my 28 gallon bowfront. It extends its mantle quite far out (like yours) but I've always felt that it is happy when it does that. I would hope that it is getting enough light(~8.5W/gallon in a tank that isn't very deep)...

Just my .02

 

[Mr.Yuk]

Thanks guys. I just wanted some input. I think it looks okay too but I have read a lot on this board about how they react in low lighting, and I don't know enough about clams to be able to recognize a hyperextended mantle.

 

[justletmein]

Did he extend his mantle that far when he was further up? If not, I'd say he should go back up. I am new to clams though, so, fwiw...

 

[Mr.Yuk]

I think it looks about the same. I also can't get him to stay up top anymore.
here's a photo from end of march. thanks for your help.