Trdacnid clam captivity longevity?

[Phil berry]

Just curious folks, how long have you had your Tridacnid clams? And have you moved them to multiple tanks over the years? I have had a derasa for 4 years now and moved it to a bigger tank once about 3 years ago. I am not sure I would want to do that again, but the tank its in now I have to trim mushrooms (striped-green) every 3-4 weeks. Any comments?

 

[Project Reef]

As long as their are no predators, adequate lighting and the water parameters are all well they should not die, ever.

 

[firechild]

As long as their are no predators, adequate lighting and the water parameters are all well they should not die, ever.

Well, I wouldn't say ever. Wild clams have a life expectancy of about 70-100 years depending on species. There is no reason this figure should not be replicated in captivity.

 

[Project Reef]

That life expectancy is there due to predators, no?

I remember Dr. Ron even stating clams along with anemones cannot "die".

 

[firechild]

As clams get larger they are less prone to predatory. I doubt any predators besides small boring or sandbed critters could crack open a large gigas.
I'm sure I've read elsewhere that clams do die of old age but I may be wrong.

 

[DT's_Reef]

I had my Squamosa for over 8 years. Bought it tiny size and it just grew and grew.

It's still alive, but I gave it to a friend and it now lives in his tank. It started lodging between the front and back of my 55 gallon! The acrylic was all scratched up from it moving the shell. I was concerned I wouldn't be able to fit it out of the tank top.

Although it was on the bottom of the tank (bare-bottom, no sand), it would commonly shoot water out the tank and onto the livingroom wall (open-back canopy). It took me a few weeks to figure out what was happening. I always thought it was the tang flipping around at the waterline for whatever reason. I solved the problem by turning the clam around so the water shot to the front of the tank instead of out the back, as there was more of an acrylic lip on the front.

When clams get this large (at least 13") spawning is a danger to your tank. Mine did this when I had to move the tank when flooring was being installed. It stressed him so he did the spawning thing over a 2 hour period. Couldn't even see inside the tank. Majorly pollutes everything.

 

[Paul-sn]

I remember Dr. Ron even stating clams along with anemones cannot "die".

If he said that, he's wrong. People kill anemones and clams all the time because of their lack of knowledge/experience.

I think what he means is that in a perfect, theoretical world (which doesn't exist), they can potentially live indefinitely. Kind of like turtles. It just doesn't happen though, does it?

Not trying to be a jerk or anything, just pointing out a good, um... point.

 

[Project Reef]

That was my point, what did you think I was saying they are invincible?

 

[Project Reef]

Don't worry though, I am glad you went into detail about it.

 

[SeanT]

That was my point, what did you think I was saying they are invincible?

lol. :lol:

I can just see my BTA and Crocea with little capes on leaping tall buildings...you get what I mean.

 

[Phil berry]

Thanks everyone for input. My original thought with the question was: given that aquariums are closed systems which require frequent intervention by the keeper(sometimes more aggressive than others) to maintain the parameters to acceptable levels, would this eventually lead to the clams demise? Perhaps I should have worded the question differently.