Maxima somewhat on its side? + damaged mantle

Johnng

New member
I recently purchased a Maxima and have since placed it on my sandbed. (250W MH, +VHO actinics.. 24" deep)

Hopefully someone can verify whether this is ok:
The clam moved around a little at first and, i assume has now found his 'spot'. But, this spot is at the base of my gorgonian, which is epoxyed to a flat rock underneath the sand. I assume he's probably attached his foot to this rock as well.
First, I hope he won't grow to a size that may eventually endanger the base of the gorgonian... and secondly .. his 'spot' has him somewhat on his side.. Is this ok? ie. he's not open to the light directly above.. His mantle is open quite a bit.. it overhangs the rim a little but doesn't quite touch the sand (on the side that's leaning down)

I figure it may be more 'damaging' or traumatic to try and move him now when he's comfy.. even though he's not completely vertical. Is this going to be a problem?

Finally, the other thing I noticed was that one 'petal' of the mantle (on one side) has been damaged and is completely missing... I'm not sure if it came this way or whether something in the tank did it.. but i've been checking daily and nothing goes near it and the damage hasn't gotten any worse.. so i'm assuming it came this way (got it mail-order). Will this mantle heal eventually or is the missing petal going to be gone forever?

On an aside.. I too have a peppermint shrimp and as far as i know he hasn't touched the clam.. (knock on wood)..
I've also got two humongous bristle worms.. and they've also seemed to leave the clam alone.. i was pretty worried at first.
I may be premature.. but so far so good.....

thanks for any help,
j.
 
Well hoping a clam won't grow isn't going to work no matter how hard you try. ;) I'd move the clam now before it attaches at the base of that gorgonian. I have all my clams placed in the sandbed and it's not a problem.

As far as the damaged mantle. If the peppermint shrimp or bristleworms are attacking it, it's because the clam is already on it's way out. Clams are tricky in that respect as they can look healthy even when it's already too late for them. The shrimp and worms can smell this and do what comes naturally...clean up the carcass. I would watch the clam at night as this is when the shrimp and worms are most likely to be active. Otherwise let nature take it's course. If the clam is healthy the mantle should heal in time. Be sure to provide phytoplankton as clams under 4" require this.

HTH
 
According to Knopp's book Giant Clams it is typical to find some clams kinda sideways and they expand their mantle to get the light. I agree that the clam should not be allowed to attch to the gorgonian but he persists on sitting sideways it will be okay for him to do so....

Cameron
 
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