Pics Of My New Gigas!

[REHEM]

This is my first clam and I think that I am smitten! I can't quit watching this thing! It's about the size of a small coconut right now, and I can't wait to watch it mature!

<img src=http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w16/KOLE1357/xxxx.jpg>

<img src=http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w16/KOLE1357/xxx.jpg>

<img src=http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w16/KOLE1357/xx.jpg>

<img src=http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w16/KOLE1357/t.jpg>

<img src=http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w16/KOLE1357/Top.jpg>

 

[Rovert]

Whoa. A small coconut? Man, are you gonna have a big 'un on your hands. Congratulations!

 

[mheaven]

Nice....... Where did you get that beauty from?

 

[a4twenty]

wow, who ever had it before you must of had a Ca reactor. ( lots of growth in the shell )

keep an eye on your CBB, they can sometimes be a problem.



nice clam

 

[REHEM]

Thanks, you guys! I think I like the Tridacna Forum and I will probably be bugging you with all kinds of dumb questions in the future!

I bought this Gigas from a local LFS in Norman, Oklahoma (OU Sooners' home base), called WET PETS by STEVE. I had been researching clams lately and I simply went to window shop. The shop attendant pointed this one out to me, saying that it was just a baby, and it was love at first sight! I had to buy it!

I noticed the predominant new white shell growth also, which was something good to look for in a specimen, from what I read. I currently do not have a Calcium reactor, but I do use Kalk for Calcium replenishment. Does anyone have a particular reactor brand that is known to be quality or have any good D.I.Y. ideas? (Probably dumb question #1) :lol:

 

[reefkoi]

I noticed the new growth as well, but look at how much thicker the old part is. Interesting.
Chris

 

[a4twenty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9723660#post9723660 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefkoi
I noticed the new growth as well, but look at how much thicker the old part is. Interesting.
Chris

older = thicker

 

[ezcompany]

i second the watch on ur cbb

 

[onehundred20]

thats one big growth ring

 

[REHEM]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9724725#post9724725 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by a4twenty
older = thicker

I have a couple of questions about this Gigas now, and I would really appreciate some patient newbie answers.

1) I looked all over the acronyms and I can't find it...What is CBB?

2) I spoke with my usual LFS today (who I didn't purchase this clam from) and she told me to watch the clam's bottom siphon. She saw the pics on here and she said that the clam's bottom siphon looked smooth, lacking any little hair fibers which can be a bad sign. She said that it can be a sign that it is on its way out.
Anyone have any thoughts on this from the pics? PLEASE help...now I'm paranoid.

 

[REHEM]

CBB ? Copperbanded Butterfly right? I just Googled it. Hmmmm. I wasn't told about that one. I have noticed that it seems pretty interested in it, but the clam's shell had a bunch of feather dusters on it when I got it so I figured that's what it was eyeballing!

Should I just keep an eye on it, or do you think I should move the Copperbanded over to my 30 gallon tank?

(I'm still worried about the bottom siphon too)

 

[a4twenty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9728151#post9728151 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by REHEM

1) I looked all over the acronyms and I can't find it...What is CBB?

you are correct CBB is the Copperband Butterflyfish. i have seen loads of reefs with this fish but i have also heard some people have had problems with them. a new clam will always attract attention from the tank inhabitants, they like the new algae and FD etc.... i wouldn't panic just yet but keep an eye on him and the clam and see how they get a long. if you notice the clam closed up during the day or actually see any fish / invert etc. bothering the clam you will have to make a decision

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9728151#post9728151 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by REHEM

2) I spoke with my usual LFS today (who I didn't purchase this clam from) and she told me to watch the clam's bottom siphon. She saw the pics on here and she said that the clam's bottom siphon looked smooth, lacking any little hair fibers which can be a bad sign. She said that it can be a sign that it is on its way out

the incurrent siphon ( flat hole ) of a gigas clam is not supposed to have tentacles like the other clams. your LFS is correct that a lack of tentacle is a sign of problems in other species of tridacnid clam, just not the gigas. ( the Hippopus hippopus clam lacks incurrent tentacles as well )


IMO, your clam looks great

 

[REHEM]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9729848#post9729848 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by a4twenty
IMO, your clam looks great

That makes me feel better! It's funny because I was just going to post a couple of specific information tidbits on the Gigas, and then I saw your response. True to the Gigas also:

* Although juvenile clams have some scutes on their shells, adults will lack these structures.
* There are no tentacles on the inhalant siphon.
* Juvenile clams will attach themselves to substrate using the byssal gland, but adult Gigas' will lose their Byssal glands. Adult Giant Clams are generally heavy enough that they will not move.

Thanks for replying! I will definitely keep an eye on the CBB, and I can already tell you that if he starts causing problems, the decision will have been made! I also have a very passive Niger Triggerfish (so far!) that I will be watching. I read that Triggers can be a problem for clams as well.

Anything else I should know right off the bat until I can do some more personal research on this guy? I want it to be as happy as can be!:smokin: