Torn Byssal Glands on New Clams

[Bonebrake]

I purchased two new clams (a T. maxima and a T. crocea) both of which unfortunately have had their byssal glands completely severed from whatever they were previously attached to. Will they regenerate their byssal glands? Is this fatal? What are the short-term and long-term implications of this?



Note: I've had both clams for five days, they are opening to the light and close when shadowed or physically disturbed.

Water parameters:
pH: 8.4
Temperature: 78.0 *F
Salinity: 35 ppt
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: 0 ppm
Calcium: 420 ppm
Alkalinity 3.5 meq/L
Magnesium: 1350 ppm
Phosphorus: Less than 0.1 ppm

I do weekly 20% water changes.

 

[a4twenty]

just to be sure, are you talking about the gland or the thread. if the thread was severed from what they were attached to, they should be alright, this is how you move a clam. if they were forcibly removed and the byssal gland ( inside the clam ) was damaged then there could be some problems.

if you could post a pic we may be able to see if there is a problem, other than that just keep an eye on them.

 

[Bonebrake]

I suppose I worded things wrong... It is like a stump of threads approx. 20 mm wide and 5 mm long from the shell of the clam - nothing has been ripped out internally.

 

[a4twenty]

then your fine ( or should be )



that is the byssal thread that the clam uses to attach to the rock. the only way we have to move a clam is to gently tilt it to the side and with a sharp razor cut the bysal thread as close to the rock as possible. if done right it should have no ill effect on the clam.


HTH

 

[Bonebrake]

Awesome! Thanks for the help!