Normal night behavior?

[joebecker]

I recently purchased my first Maxima clam a couple of days ago. It seems to be nice and fully extended during the day, but at night I've noticed that the mantle retracts slightly. Not fully back past the shell, but it definitely pulls in a bit after the MH is out and the moonlights kick in. Is this normal nocturnal behavior for a tridacnid? I wasn't able to find any info about this online. Thanks!

 

[skinz78]

Yes this is perfectly normal. They put thier mantle out for the zoox to recieve the light they need and at night there isn't enough light to benefit from

 

[joebecker]

Good to know. Thanks skinz!