Squamosa parasite (?)

[mcdavies]

Hi all...

Over the past few days, my 8" squamosa has been less and less responsive (currently he does not respond to light nor touch). He has retracted noticably (but not into his shell) and has been gaping for about 3 days. I've checked all parametres, put him in the quietest part of my tank...no luck. He is not dead...just comatose!

This afternoon, a TENTACLE started probing out of his blow spout (I'm an amateur at clams...don't know the technical term). It is protrubing about an inch in total. I used a mirror to get a look inside him and can see it is at least 2-3" long...cannot see where it originates.

I have appended a couple of pics. They are not great, but you should be able to see it. The tentacle is only 1-2mm in thickness.

Is this part of the clam or am I dealing with a parasite? Any suggestions on what to do?

HELP!!!!

Mark

 

[mcdavies]

Here is another angle (a bit blurry)...

 

[mcdavies]

This shot is taken with a mirror...you can see how the tentacle originates further down inside the clam...

 

[mcdavies]

No one has any idea about this?

PLEASE HELP!!!

Mark

 

[dvups1]

It looks like a baby serpent star's arm. Is the clam attatched to anything? If not could you put it in a bowl with some of your tank water and a tiny powerhead. Then place a sinking shimp pellet in there aswell to see if the little sucker will come out for a bite.

 

[wjgeese]

Looks like your clam is expelling zooxanthellae. They do this from time to time, especially when they are stressed. It comes out of the exhalent siphon as strings--much like what you are seeing. If you keep an eye on it, you will see it eventually come out completely. Sorry, don;t know what is stressing your clam. they also release zoo periodically as a means of alqae control (normal) but it doesnt sound like that;s what's going on in your tank.

Good luck. Nice clam, btw

Bill

 

[mcdavies]

Thanks for the input guys...I'm trying to decide whether to give it a tug or not...if it were a serpent, i'd just pull it out. However, does not have the typical markings associated with a serptent (ie: light colored stripes on the tentacle).

Not sure if it is zooxanthellae either...it has some substance to it and seems to be "sweeping"...behaviour is characteristic of an independent organism. But again, I'm an amateur at this...

Would a fresh-water dip help? I've done some research and that intervention is often mentionned...

Mark

 

[dvups1]

Do not do a freshwater dip. Serpent stars come in all colors and don't all have stripes. You can obviously get close to it. If you touch it what happens? If i were zooxanthellae it would not react or the clam reacting to your hand movement should blow it out. If it were a preditor of some sort it will most likely retract into the clam.

 

[mcdavies]

You can obviously get close to it. If you touch it what happens? If i were zooxanthellae it would not react or the clam reacting to your hand movement should blow it out. If it were a preditor of some sort it will most likely retract into the clam.

Makes sense to me...

Unfortunately, it has now retracted into the clam (I assume as I cannot see it anymore). It came out under the VHO's and apparently retracted under the MH's. Will take a look tomorrow morning and see if it has re-appeared. If so, will give your approach a try.

This is so frustrating! It is a beautiful clam and I would hate to lose it!!!!

Thanks again for the help...

Mark

 

[dvups1]

Good luck. Please keep us posted. I am very curious to know what it is.