What Does a Healthy Maxima Clam Look Like?

[brians_224]

Thanks for your time.

Two weeks ago I got a 2 inch blue maxima from a fellow local reefer.

How do I know if I'm taking good care of it? It opens in light. closes in dark. Closes quickly to changes in shadows.

The concern I have is its mouth - is it gapping? I haven't been able to find a clear example of what it looks like. Should the mouth not be open at all? The mouth is open approximately 1/4". The mantle looks great.

I'll post pics tomorrow - its lights out.

 

[mbbuna]

this is a healthy Maxima

 

[brians_224]

Thanks!!!

 

[Meisen]

The whole gaping thing is over-diagnosed IMO. The incurrent siphon should be slightly open- up to 1/2" in small-medium clams. A clam that is really gaping will not be able to close its shell in addition to having its inccurent siphon stretched near tearing. IME, that condition is fatal. Stressed clams often open their incurrent siphon wide however it should return to normal when the clam settles in.

 

[critterkeeper]

Gaping does not refer to just the siphon. Siphons will often change shape and open and close, and some species, like gigas, will leave it wide open for long periods.

The bad sign is when the shell itself gapes wide open, but the mantle isn't extended. When they get near death it is common to see the shell wide open and the mantle is actually sort of shriveled up and withdrawn. I don't think there's any coming back then.

 

[BLKTANG]

Here is mine.

 

[FEEDERFISH]

Here is my Crocea