Clam: What kind???

OK, went to the LFS in search of a clam. Found one. Perfect coloration. Just what I wanted. Size also. Asked what it was. He didn't know. Hmmmmpt. So. OK. I bought it. Figured I would get a majority vote as to identity. So here it comes......



TIA guys and dolls.......John.

 

Wow I like the color on that one. JUst remember you will need to feed him until he is about 2 in (i believe is the magic number)

 

Maxima (Tridacna)!
Nice pick up!

 

I agree with Tom. It's a T. maxima
http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/tridacnid-clam-id-made-easy-54343.html

 

As for the feeding part of it Tridacna clams can receive nutrients/food from various sources!
Light, particulate matter/DOM through filter feeding and zoo and phytoplankton. Phosphates, nitrates, ammonia and ammonium can be consumed by clams depending on what is available and what they need for growth, energy, production of gametes and basic nutrients for survival.
Don't be too worried about the feeding part of the equation as they should be fine with the nutrients in your water and lighting for their host zooxanthellae! They can even expell and consume their own zooxanthellae if need be!
Good luck!

 

a little trick for the determining whether you have a Crocea or Maxima since the scutes associated with the side of the shell can either be evident or missing as a result of burrowing action and environmental factors!
The can't miss solution to this is to look at the clams shell from the side...Maxima shells are rather elongated with the umbro being offset. Crocea shells are fatter and the byssal opening is very large, larger than any other Tridacna, for that matter!

 

are your lights T5? Maxima require the most light of all clams. I am not sure how it will do under T5's. You definately want to place it on a rock at the very top of your tank, so it can maximize the light.

I know many have kept clams under T5, I had a crocea clam under 8bulbs of T5 for a while before I upgraded and it did well. Again I kept it right at the top of the tank

Derasea clams do the best under T5 lighting

 

Blue Maxima Clam - Tridacna maxima

very cool clam....I have a gold one. Will eventually get a blue one

 

i know some people have been able to keep them under t5s, if your worried you can actually build it a shelf i've seen a few plexiglass shelves just for clams on a few forums.

 

Looking good Pharmrjon!