New to clams - need advice...

[mcdavies]

Hi all...

I am new to having a clam in my tank. Got an 10" squamosa on Saturday. Apart from ejecting his byssal on Sunday morning (by my understanding a typical reaction to moving to a new location), all was well. He was opening fully and seemed happy.

Yesterday, he did not open fully. I would say that he is only opening 30% of what he was the past few days.

Is that normal behaviour or is he having problems? If the latter, is there anything I can do about it?

The tank in 150g with a 125g sump. All water parametres are normal.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Mark

 

[AttackDonut]

Check for parasites, pyramid snails, other invertibrates that are bothering him, esp. at night.

 

[mcdavies]

Can you explain that a bit? Would I see them on his shell? On the mantle? I have a couple of hermit crabs that seem to like to crawl on his shell, but they stay away from the soft tissue...

Thanks for the feedback...

Mark

 

[mcdavies]

Can you explain that a bit? Would I see them on his shell? On the mantle? I have a couple of hermit crabs that seem to like to crawl on his shell, but they stay away from the soft tissue...

Also, with him being partially closed, it can be hard to see down inside the shell...is there a way to "examine" him more thoroughly or do you just look for what is visible...

Thanks for the feedback...

Mark

 

[AttackDonut]

Pyramid snails look just like they sound. Often found under the shell, near places like the byssal gland, where they will munch on the clam. Check for holes bored into the shell as well, basically remove the clam from the substrate and examine him carefully all over, removing anything from him that isn't part of him (i.e. that should be there). Perhaps moving him elsewhere, you didn't mention your lighting setup, perhaps it's too much light, try a shadier spot for a bit.