keepers of large Tridacna

[Gary Majchrzak]

This question is for the folks keeping large Tridacna clams (ie:derasa, squamosa, gigas) on the bottom of their aquarium.
Have you noticed that your clam wants to align itself parallel with the lighting hood/length of the aquarium?
Over the years I keep moving my squamosa so it's perpendicular with my lighthood, but it keeps rotating back.
Clams located on or blocked by rockwork can't really turn, so you might not know what I'm talking about if that's the case with your clam... but if your clam is on the bottom and free to do "the twist", have you noticed what I'm talking about?

 

[inlandreef]

Both Derasa and Squamosa do it all the time. I move them to clean the tank, and the next day they are both parallel to the lights.

 

[4ptbuck]

Yup mine does that all the time. I gave up trying to keep it facing the front, perp to the strips.

 

[calvin415]

My Squamosa is currently perpendicular (by itself), and my Derasa is currently diagonal (by itself)... Maybe mine are just different???

 

[northbay-reefer]

I think they adjust themselves to the current and not the light

 

[tang_man_montreal]

I'm with northbay-reefer...
I think it has more to do with current than with light.

My blue-rimmed Squamosa (a large 9-10" one) sits diagonal to the lights in the original position that I placed him in on the sand.

 

[Mark]

Not sure if it's current or light, but my large squamosa does it too.

 

[Freed]

My 9"-10" derasa aligns itself parallel with the lighting as well. That's the same direction my water flow is too. Left to right with the lighting so who knows.

 

[lgnd95]

I'm also with northbay - because of the current.

 

[Barry N.]

I think they adjust themselves to the current and not the light

I agree as well

 

[bergzy]

my 8" maxima does this all the time!

he aligns himself the same way every time i adjust him to a more 'aesthetic' position! sheesh! doesnt he know better?

 

[Omar H]

Mine is perpendicular to the light. 6-7 in. T Maxima (teardrop)

Omar

 

[M.Maddox]

Same with my 7" maxima - always aligned itself for more light

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Water current might be a factor. Thanks for suggesting it, guys.

 

[northbay-reefer]

ok one way to comfirm this is temporarily change the current in your tank and see if your clam will move along with it

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I thought of trying it, but I have too many other critters that might suffer from a change up.

 

[northbay-reefer]

Gary, I've done it and the clam always move after the change

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Thanks. You saved me from experimenting.

 

[northbay-reefer]