Help! Removing Clam

Hello everyone,

I am trading one of my crocea clams and I needed to remove it from the live rock. What I did was gently rock the clam from side to side, not placing any undue pressure on the byssal thread. I then took a butter knife, and with the blunt edge (not serrated edge) gently touched the byssal thread and continued to rock the clam.

It removed itself from the live rock after about 20 minutes, but it did leave about 1/4 inch of what I would guess is byssal thread or foot on the rock. Should it have been a completely clean removal or is this common?

I have the clam on the sand so I can bag it up to trade, but did I do something wrong or was my procedure normal and will the clam recover? I knew not to break the foot or tear it, which is why I took my time. I am just a bit nervous about the 1/4 inch or so of stuff that is stuck to the live rock.

Thanks in advance,

Robert

 

And just to mention, the clam is already opening and extending its mantle on the sand bed.

 

Based off the responses I got when my clam moved on its own and left this behind, it appears it's normal. Considering mine did it on its own and is still okay.

 

Sweet. That is nearly exactly what mine looks like, but just marginally smaller. Thanks for the input.

 

In the future, the best way of removing a clam from its place of origin is to cut the byssal threads with a sharp knife as close to the rock as possible. This will reduce the possibility of injuring the clam. Also this procedure takes little time at all and reduces the shock and stress placed upon it by rocking it and the time frame of this.

 

When you see a hunk of meat left behind on the threads, that's when there are problems. Rocking alone can do this with some clams. Agreed with the sharp knife... like real nice and sharp.