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Tridacna squamosa Squamosa Clam - Medium
Clams are wonderful additions to any reef aquaria but do have some requirements that make them more difficult than other inverts to keep. Some research is recommended before purchasing one to find out what species will work the best in your reef aquarium. Squamosa Clams ( Tridacna squamosa ) are sometimes known as Fluted Clams or Scaly Clams due to their very large, well-spaced scutes extended outward from the sides of the shell. They usually have a mottled brown, cream and gold colored mantle that can expand dramatically. Rare green or blue specimens can also occasionally be found. Mantle patterns can be striped, spotted, blotched and variations thereof. The shell of Crocea Clams is usually whitish but may have some yellow around the rim or scutes. Most Squamosa's are fairly fan-shaped and the tip of the hinge is usually in the center of the length of the shell. The hinge length can be 1/2 as long as the entire shell. These clams usually have about five or six prominent folds. As mentioned, the scutes on the shell are usually very large and spaced on Squamosa Clams. Aquacultured Squamosa's tend to have more closely-spaced scutes than those collected from the wild and the scutes towards the bottom of both aquacultured and wild clams can be broken or worn away. The byssal opening where the foot and byssal threads are extended from on the bottom of the clam can vary in size and tends to decrease as the clam grows, probably because the clam tends to become bottom-heavy with age and doesn't need to attach as strongly to its surface. Most Squamosa Clams are found on rocky crevices or rubble surfaces where they are attached. Some larger individuals have been found unattached on sandy bottoms in the wild but this is likely a result of the clam unattaching and falling off the reef face rather than the clam opting for this location. Squamosa Clams are fairly hardy, especially larger individuals. They require strong lighting and ideal water quality. In the aquarium, place high in the tank under direct light (Metal Halide, VHO, or Power Compact). Smaller clams with smaller mantles rely heavily on planktonic foods filtered from the water for their nutrition. They should be fed regularly with various types of planktonic foods like phytoplankton, zooplankton, oyster eggs, rotifers and similar items. Avoid keeping with potential predators or tankmates that may nip at the clam's mantle like some wrasses, angelfish, crabs, and others. For more information on these and other clams, visit the Giant Clams Species Profile on That Fish Blog by our staff marine biologists. The clam pictured above is representative only - the coloration of the clam you receive may vary. Please contact the Livestock department for information on availability of specific colorations.
Our Price: $17.00
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Manufacturer: THAT FISH PLACE
Item: 206920
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Home >> Aquarium Livestock >> Saltwater Invertebrates >> Clams and Bivalves >> Tridacna squamosa Squamosa Clam - Medium