WTH did my clam do?!?!

[Herbert T. Kornfeld]

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53988&perpage=20&pagenumber=2

Towards the bottom of the thread I have the info and photo. To break it down here, I had a clam that was falling off a cliff, and so I helped it out when it was about to fall, and all of its threads were stretched or detached. I replaced it on top of the rock with the other clams. Within minutes it freaked out! It sucked its whole body down into the foot area...seemingly tearing itself away from the shell, until its mouth was stretched out so far that its gills were popping through...not to mention the byssal 'foot' sticking out of it. It seems to have 'calmed down' a bit today, but still nothing close to normal. I checked and its still responsive, closing if I get too close...but *** happened? Any clues? Is it a goner? Will it recover?

 

[Snprhed]

I don't think it looks good for him. Had he completely come off the rock before you moved him. Also how long have you had him? do you feed him? I think there might be other pertinent info. Was it brand new? I'll try to look back later.

 

[Herbert T. Kornfeld]

I have had the clam for about a year. I did a tank upgrade two weeks ago...moving it and 4 other croceas to this larger tank. The entire contents of the old tank are used in this one, so its not like I am starting from scratch. All readings for waste byproducts are nil. Since it was moved into the new tank, it started to tip over the edge since the rock that was once there next to it in the old tank was no longer there. It didnt have a problem hanging off of a rock for a week straight, but when I picked it up to reposition it right side up...then it freaked out like this. I dont feed him, beyond the regular coral feedings I do with phyto. Hes a large crocea...mostly depending on light I figure, so I never bothered much with specific feedings.

 

[Electrobes]

hmm well it might be that he got old enough to no have any use for the foot anymore. Some clam when odl enough depend on their weight to stay situated to where they are at. Why he looks like that though.. maybe its the new place where he is at not thats got him bothered... or a piece of debris in his gills he did not like....

 

[Herbert T. Kornfeld]

Well, he croaked today. He retracted even more...seemingly ripping his tissues right off the shell. Is is possible for clams to have a heart attack? or stroke? It sure seems like what happened. Fine and fit one second, then convulsing and retracting the next. Weirdest thing I have ever seen.

 

[Electrobes]

hmm that sucks, sorry to hear. Unfortunately when clams are on their way out, it is not easy for them to come back.. unless it is just gaping or an onstage of paratism. Do you have any other clams in that tank.. do they seem affected at all?

 

[Herbert T. Kornfeld]

None of the other clams were effected one bit. It was a direct response to me trying to reposition it since it was falling...sheesh, thought I was doing it a favor. It literally convulsed and ripped itself from its shell. Never even heard of that before.