Harlequin tuskfish and clams?

Putting together an order from Bluezoo. It will definitely contain a harlequin tuskfish. But I was thinking about a derasa clam, too. I haven't been able to find much in my research about their compatibility except one source that says they won't nip on clam mantles. Hmmm.... Anyone with experience?

 

I'm a newbie to clams but can say I love them. Can't speak to the fish but clams add something special to a tank.
I have a Derasa and it's doing good so far. They are hard to keep so will need special attention. I'm pro clam! The clamity!!

Here is mine.

 

Clam tastic! Why do you say they are hard to keep... Are their requirements different from other clams?

 

Not according to Live Aquaria:

Saltwater Aquarium Clams for Marine Reef Aquariums: Derasa Clam, Striped with Blue Rim - Aquacultured

He may have been referring to clams in general, as they are new to him. If you have experience with clams, you'll be fine.

 

Clams in general have lighting requirements and will require a dosing schedule for long term success. If you can handle that then I say go for it. Not sure about a tusk fish with a clam though. They get big and my friends literally rip open mussel shells to eat them:-/

 

DSC, that was my thinking also. I have emailed live aquaria for their advice also.

 

I would go with what you want more. I love the harlequin tusk fish but I love clams better yep, I'm a clamaholic and not ashamed!! Lol

 

So many choices, and each one affects the others. Plus, I tend to overthink things after my first tank 5 years ago. That was an unmitigated disaster. All the things I killed from stupidity and lack of research

 

We've all been there. One thing that helps me decide on a purchase when it's one or the other is what would I'd be happy looking at years down the road. Clams only get prettier and they don't have much of a bioload. Can you see yourself keeping a tusk fish for years? Tough decisions are abundant in this hobby that's for sure. Whatever you decide I want to see pics

 

Here's my email back from LiveAquaria. Can you believe they answered my question on the same day, a Sunday? I thanked them for their stellar customer service. Any way, here's the response:


Dear Helen,

Thank you for your email. May people have had success keep clams with Harlequin Tusk, however, we do recommend monitoring them for while after putting them together to make sure the Harlequin Tusk does not try eating at the mantle of the clam.

Thank you for choosing Drs. Foster & Smith LiveAquaria for your live aquatic needs. You are a valued customer and we look forward to hearing from you in the future.


Well, if seems that it is a no-go. "Monitoring" a fish means getting rid of one or the other if it does not work. You can't really put a fish in "time out" and explain that the clam is his friend.

So now I embark once again on the journey to stock my upgrade with the last few fishies.