Maxima Not Attaching - What's the deal?

I have a 7-ish inch Maxima that has never footed/threaded itself. I've had it for about 6 months and it is on rock. It is happy, always extends and has great growth on its shell...but what is with the no attaching?

 

Mine was attached to a big shell until around 3 months. not attached any more but is still healthy. I wouldnt worry about it. as long as it will close up when disturbed I wouldnt be concerned.

 

Okay, I didn't know if it could cause it to die or something. Thanks!

 

Some species of clams do not attach to anything after they reach to a certain size. I am not sure about maximas though. As long as it is reacting to changes in light and closing up, you are fine.

 

Yeah, he did thread in when he was newer to the tank. But then he decided he hated that spot and did a swan dive. So I moved him and now he's super happy, just not attaching.

So I'll stop worrying - thanks!

 

+1 to X99
Once they reach full maturity, most clams lose the bysal thread.

 

Really?! Okay, never knew that! But they still grow past maturity right? Because he definitely has new growth on his shell.

 

Huh, I never knew their lost their foot after a certain age. I have a crocea that's doing the same thing. It was attached about mid level for around 7 months and then one day just jumped to the sand bed. I set a flat rock under him but he's never attached again, just rotates a little here and there. Still responds to light and fully extends just like it always has.

 

I believe that only sand dwelling clams lose their 'feet.' After they reach a certain size, they rely on their weight to keep them in place. Since maxima and crocea are rock boring clams, they probably don't lose their feet unless they're embedded in rock. I could be completely wrong though Try moving the clam and see if it will attach again or just leave it be for a few weeks to see if it will reattach.