Moving Clam w/ Foot Stuck

[FSOL]

Is it possible to move a clam if it has already stuck its foot on the rock?
The clam doesn't fully open itself up, so I'm thinking maybe it's not getting enough light, but then again will it stick itself on a rock if it was unhappy w/ its placement?

 

[mbbuna]

what kind of clam is it and can you post a pic

 

[FSOL]

this is the best I could do

 

[Meisen]

I wouldnt mess with it personally. If you are really set on moving it, direct a weak (or dialed down) powerhead stream towards the base. It often causes the clam to release its hold within an hour or two (sometimes quicker....keep an eye on it). The byssal threads can be cut however the risk that you will nick/slice/cut the foot and thereby kill or seriously compromise the clam is high. I have cut clams off of rocks and tank bottoms several times with no issues....Always in stores where they didnt know to keep the clam on crushed coral or in a cut section of pvc of course. You just have to know you are taking a risk and work carefully. I usually tap the foot a few times before proceeding to get the clam to retract it as much as possible. Then look to see what you are cutting. The byssal threads appear as a mass of threads bunched together while the foot itself is either smooth or slightly frilled. Again, if you are unsure, dont do it.

Why the heck are you moving it in the first place if its stuck on where it is (they will often release or wiggle around if they are not happy)?

 

[FSOL]

I'm only moving it cuz I think it may be in a bad spot. So the fact that it's stuck very strongly on that rock mean that it's happy w/ its location?

When I look at it, I feel like it's mouth part is not fully extended and open, or maybe it's just me and I"m being paranoid.

 

[mbbuna]

the mantle extension looks fine to me.

as for the in-current syphon(mouth) being open thats not really something you want . Croceas tend to do that more then other clams, but its not something i like to see a clam doing.

i would leave it be.

 

[FSOL]

The two other clams I have both look very healthy and open up huge, and their mouth openings are wide, too.

Why is this something not to want? In your sig pic, it looks like the mouth is a small slit, whereas my clams have that part open

 

[mbbuna]

because its a sign of stress

 

[Freed]

Your clam is fine. Looks very happy. I would not move it. If it wants to move, it will.

 

[FSOL]

so would you say these clams are happy or not

 

[Freed]

Happy as clams.

 

[mbbuna]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7481375#post7481375 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FSOL
so would you say these clams are happy or not

what do you mean?

 

[ROB2005]

thats one bastard of a happy clam....lol