think I have a sick clam

[Philip]

my clam has some sort of white cottony looking stuff growing on the outside of it's shell, under the mantle kind of. Anybody have any ideas for what it could be or if I should do anything about it?
the clam seems healthy otherwise

 

[Peabody]

On the shell of my Squamosa I recently discovered a white growth (closer to the bottom than the mantle), but I believe it is a sponge. Should I be worried? I noticed the mention of "boring sponges" in the Knop Giant Clams book, but this didn't seem to fit the bill. Has anyone experienced harmless sponges growing on their clam shell?

 

[peterlin98]

This is okay because most readings say that clams are not bothered by coral - so sponges are not a problem. Wild collected clams usually come with corals or sponges growing on their shells. It would be a concern to your tank - if the sponges are dying off - then they could poison your water.

 

[holeinone1972]

Peabody,

Is your clam showing any signs of stress? If your clam appears normal, I would leave sponge alone. If you are concerned and do not like the look of the sponge, carefully scrape it off, and disacrd it.

Is shrimp still inside of clam? Wish I could see.

Rob

 

[Peabody]

The clam seems just fine....just trying to play it safe. If I suspect anything wrong with the clam, I'll remove the sponge.

Yes, the shrimp is still living inside the clam. I wish I could take a pic....even if I had a good camera, I don't know how I would get a picture of it If you're ever in B'more, let me know.