Something Growing on Clam ??

[qwikcustoms]

My clam has a growth on it . It appears to be part of its shell and retracts along with the mantle when spooked . It is the same color as the clam . The first photo is the clam opened and appearing well ? Second is of it closed(provoked by me) and the growth item ,upper left side of opening . Any one know what it can be, should I be worried and a link to info would be appreaciated,thanks in advance Paul

 

[BlastoEric1589]

if the clam is opening up fully and looks happy than its generally something you dont need to worry about

looks like some purple coralline algae on the shell IMO

 

[qwikcustoms]

It does not appear to be coraline because it retreats into
the shell when disturbed . It looks like the clam is having
a baby clam growing out of it which is impossible but that
is exactly what it looks like ,???
Anyone ???

 

[michika]

Have you by chance touched/poked this growth? Is it hard? Is it attached to the scutes of the shell, or is it anchored on the mantle?

I had a gigas clam last year that had separated on the inside from one of its shells and was slowly replacing it. I had a tri-shelled gigas until its untimley death.