odd information

[enitnelaVeyaF]

I had cruised this forum in the past and remember hearing very thoughly that clams, Tridacna, Hippopus, always need to be fed.
I agreed. These animals all have usable digestive tracts even with the additional symbiants, the zooxanthallae.

Now, I read Knop's clam book, very good by the way, and picked up the older edition of his magazine "Coral" (he's the editor, i believe). There was an unauthored (no author named) article that stated that adult T. maxima and adult T. crocea are totally depenedent on their zooxanthallae for substanance, "no additional feeding required".

This is not what I've heard and or read even in his book.

Any ideas? Thoughts?

thanks.

 

[Barry N.]

Daniel's book was published in 1996 and feeding is an on going debate.

I have my thoughts and opinions but it seems that a lot of people do.

 

[M.Maddox]

Well, notice it says "no additional feeding". Reef aquariums grow algae and phytoplankton naturally, just not a whole lot. Larger maxima clams aren't growing as much (and it is tissue production that is the real consumer of foods) have large mantles (lots of glucose production) and can filter lots of water (making the most of small amounts of dissolved foodstuff).

However, I would still feed my clam a few times a week with DT's :]

See sig

 

[Barry N.]

However, I would still feed my clam a few times a week with DT's :]

Certainly would not hurt.

 

[enitnelaVeyaF]

Maddox,
Yes i vividly remember your sig.

Now, i understand a 'healthy' and 'ideal' aquarium would certainly have a large amount of micro-foods for such an aniaml, but plainly ignoring the fact thnat most hobbyiests do not research their purchases before buying let alone give the specimen of choice a natural environment to thrive is quite irresponsible on their part.

I also understand the timeline, but to hear from M. Maddox and other people who 'know their clams' that they need fed and then hearing from an expert in that particular field that they dont in a magazine publication that is only a month or two old... well that's kinda confusing.

I was just wondering if research has proved recently that the clams need fed, agreeing with Maddox and the RC'ers, or going with the field expert, Knop, that they do not.... well... what am I to believe? Thats why i ask

 

[kfisc]

I stopped spending money on phyto about 6 months ago, assuming the tank could provide what's needed- so far, so good- but i fret about it, wondering the same questions....

 

[Barry N.]

enitnelaVeyaF

wondering if research has proved recently that the clams need fed

There has been people that have done some test in this area but nothing published.

You could do your own research by setting up a few small tanks and place some clams in each one and feed one and the other one with light source only. I would suggest using juvaniles for your test.

Tridacnids have kidneys, heart, circulatory system and a digestive system. With that being said, I would assume that they filter feed on something, else they would not have a digestive system but some seem to think that zooxanthellae is taken through the mantle and then transported by a tubular system to the stomach of the clam.

People spend thousands of dollars on their aquariums, so if this person is not real sure if they should suppliment feed or not, then the cost of a few dollars isn't going to impact their hobby that much.

 

[Scuba Dog]

Some of the Trinacted species keep the ability to filter feed throuh out its entire live, but maxinas and croceas loose that ability after reaching a specific size. Thats just one of the theorys flying around now..its up to debate...but over all Ill continue to feed my super small max's....