Scallops in Captivity

[CapitalO]

Ive often been told that the common scallops (Lima scabra), sold in the aquarium trade tend to have short lifespans and are generally unsuitable for marine aquaria. I assume this is from a lack of food suspended in the water column, but im just guessing... I'd be happy to hear from anyone with experiences, thanks!

 

[lessthanlights]

mmmm scallops! with a little butter please.

 

[GraviT]

Lima scabra is actually a type of file clam that isn't well known for survival in reef tanks, possibly due to the lack of nutrients in the water. I tried one early in my reef days only to have it die about a month later. Many feel these are beautiful animals that should be left in the sea.

Best of luck whatever you decide to do.

 

[kaserpick]

I bought a flame scallop and he lasted for about 8 months. (this was a while ago and sadly I didn't do any research until I had him, but in my defense I most definitely took better care of it than my LFS. So that kind of makes it a rescue right??) From what I've heard, they don't typically have a long life span to begin with, but this is just what I've "heard".

 

[a4twenty]

it can be done but they are non-photosynthetic and require individual feedings of micro plankton ( phyto etc ).

i agree with GraviT this is one of those beautiful creatures that should just be left in the sea. to many are sold because they look cool and the buyers don't know the proper care required to keep one.

 

[CapitalO]

Thanks for the feedback. Thats pretty much the general consensus Ive heard all around. How often do they require feeding? and can they be target fed? Whats the lifespan in an aquarium (with proper care) VS. nature?

 

[a4twenty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9070067#post9070067 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CapitalO
How often do they require feeding?

daily ( minimum, in the wild they would be filter feeding all day )

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9070067#post9070067 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CapitalO
... and can they be target fed?

they must be target feed

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9070067#post9070067 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CapitalO
Whats the lifespan in an aquarium (with proper care) VS. nature?

sorry, i don't know

 

[CapitalO]

I'll probably opt not to get one.. I agree some things should be left in the ocean

 

[CapitalO]

I think Im going to invest in a Tridacna crocea instead

 

[rekn]

i had a 30g setup just for them, had my own phyto culture and dosed heavely and mine lived about 2 years. left for the navy and gave everything back to LFS so im not sure how long it lived, might be still alive as the lfs owner was a heavy phyto doser too. this was all back in the mid 90s

 

[a4twenty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9071163#post9071163 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CapitalO
I think Im going to invest in a Tridacna crocea instead

as long as you have good lights why not