Should I buy this 8" ultra crocea?????

[deansreef]

I was at the lfs tonight and they had what they called an ultra crocea 8" long and about 4" wide. It was light pink in color with blue and purple around the edges , the lfs said the color has faded alot since they got the clam in. They have had him for a month under 3 55 watt pcs. I would like to put him in my system 90 gallon reef 2x250 watt 65k iwasakis and 2x110 vho super actintic but am worried that this lighting will be too strong! Also will his color come back in my system. I have a 4" squamosa and a 3" crocea in my sytem for about 6 months so far and they are doing great. Thanks Dean H.

 

[toptank]

Hi Dean,

If it is indeed bleaching then that means due to the lack of proper lighting the symbiotic algae is dying thus causing the appearance of fading color.

It is possible to regain it's color over a period of time if introduced to more intense lighting over a slow period of time, if the pigmentation of the mantles hasn't been damaged too much.

If you are considering getting this clam I would highly recommend that you place him in the lower part of your tank and shorten the light period and slowly increase over time. Also when you first place him in the tank you could use a shield on top of your tank to shield the intense lighting of your 250s and slowly remove the shield so that he is getting more light over a period of time.

Sure wish we had a picture. Other than fading, how does he look? Does he retract to shadows and re-open quickly? I would really check him well.

Barry

 

[deansreef]

crocea

crocea

Thanks Barry, yes he does retract to moving your hand over the light. I will try to get a pic today! Thanks Dean.

 

[brian111]

I doubt that it is pink but you are seeing the fadding with appears to be pink.

 

[golfish]

Barry,
Do Croceas get that big?

 

[toptank]

Normally they do not. 6-7" but I have never seen one bigger than 6'5"

 

[deansreef]

electric crocea

electric crocea

then it must be a maxima clam??