New clam do I have a problem help!

[shy07guy]

My new clam has been in the tank for 2 days and now there is a pile of mucus next to it and a hole in the sand behind it. All my water checks out so is this normal for a clam? It is not gapping or showing any signs of stress still opens fully and closes when a shawdow passes over it. Here is the best pic I could get the grayish stuff in the lower right coner is the mucus I am talking about.

 

[aquababy]

I would investigate that hole to see who dug it - it might help answer your question.

 

[shy07guy]

should I move the clam to look or dig around it? There is deffinetly a lot of mucus on the shell of the clam I dont know if it is from my snail or if the clam can produce mucus on its shell. Tonight it looks like it is a little less open actually but that may just be coincedence. Ill check out the hole for now.
Thanks
Derek

 

[shy07guy]

The hole looks like it has been created by the clam. When the clam opens and closes quickly a jet of water shoots out the back and has created that hole. When I was looking at the hole I also noticed it was harder to move the clam so I did not try very hard and I think it has started to attach to the rock that it is next too. Is this a good sign I hope so! The clam is where I wanted it anyway so that is good if it is happy and attached.
Derek

 

[shy07guy]

bump

 

[porky]

I think if the clam has started to attach itself that is a good sign. I am not too sure about the mucus on the shell? Is it something that can be blowed or siphoned off?

 

[shy07guy]

Yeah I waved it away with my hand and the clam is fully open this morning too so I am gonna just let him be and keep an eye on him. Thanks for the help
Derek

 

[FLReefster]

I cannot really see it in the pic, but clams excrete mucus looking filaments when they process nutrition (sugar and planktonic cells) . All three of mine put this stuff out every day after feedings. How big is the clam? Are you feeding?

 

[shy07guy]

yeah I dose the tank with DT's every other night and the clam is about 4" Thanks for the help ill stop worrying

Derek