Question about baby gold maxima

[Flame*Angel]

My first clam was a baby gold maxima. I've had it a little over 3 months, it's about 2.5" and absolutely insists on being on the sand. I've tried many attempts to get this clam to attach to a piece of rock or a shell but no matter how well I think I have it placed and nestled it always manages to get itself back onto the sand. I have three other larger maximas that are all attached and doing great.

My concern for the small maxima is its colour. It is a very dark brown with a million little white specks. I had thought that it would lighten in colour and actually look gold. Is it possible that this is just the natural colour for this clam? Any suggestions?

 

[toptank]

Hi Angel,

He must love it in the sand. I wouldn't worry too much about that as he really looks good. I have found that sometimes a brown clam like you have described can turn black with intense lighting. When I first received my black tiger he looked washed out and appeared to be brown but after a few months under my 250 MH is has now become black.

Barry

 

[Flame*Angel]

Thanks Barry - that's very encouraging! I hadn't even considered the possibility that it maybe isn't really supposed to be gold. I would be quite happy if he turned black. For that matter if he stays healthy he can stay just like he is.

Yeah, the little clam does seem to be doing quite well. I have absolutely no control over his position in the tank, any time I've moved him he just goes back to this spot. I would have thought the current is too strong for him there but he seems healthy enough. I feed the tank a LOT of my cultured phytoplankton so maybe the current is bringing it to him.