weird matle

[tigerTA]

the mantle on one of my clams has become 'pinched' in a few places. i have seen my bi-color bleny swiming around it, but never seen it bite it. is it pinched from possible nipping? or some other reason? (my other clam isnt as bad, but does have one pinch in it)

 

[Travis]

I have heard that bicolor blennies are common nippers of clams. Keep an eye on him. I have a lawnmower blenny that liks to sit on my clam mantles but the clams don't mind a bit. If your blenny isn't bothering your clams they may have the "pinching mantle disease". If that is the case I would treat them ASAP before the disease establishes itself in the tank. Then it is too late unless you can treat the clams and then quarantine them. Do a search in this forum for pinching mantles or freshwater dips for treatment. But first make sure the blenny isn't the culprit.

 

[Peabody]

Bi-colors are notorious clam munchers (and SPS too!).....you need to remove one or the other ASAP! Sorry! It sounds very likely that the clam is doing this to discourage the blenny from nipping the overhanging parts of the mantle.

 

[tigerTA]

i had herd that about bi-colors. but i know about 6 ppl that have them with clams and no problems. thought i would take a chance. only problem is that the blenny is only an inch long, if that(the smallest ive ever seen). it will be VERY hard to catch...sigh...will be fun lol

 

[Travis]

Well, if it makes you feel any better I just caught my CBB nipping at my clams. So either the CBB or the clams will have to go. I can't make up my mind b/c I love my clams but it took many tries to get a CBB that would stay alive in my tank and he keeps the aiptasia in check very well.:mad2: If it's not one thing it's another.

 

[tigerTA]

ahh yes, the trials and tribulations of the reef tank...lol

 

[tigerTA]

well, crisis half way averted. I was able to get the blenny out and brought him back to my work. but now one of my clams isnt fully extended and gaping. so hopefully he'll recover

 

[Travis]

Give the clam some time and it should be just fine.

 

[tigerTA]

thanks for the help travis and peabody

 

[Peabody]

Glad to hear you nabbed the blenny....they are such fun little guys, but not good when clams are present. Keep us posted!