Does this clam have ligament disease

[LeslieS]

This looks a little bit like the pictures of ligament disease in James Fatheree's book, but I am not sure.

The orange spot is coraline algae. Look above and below.
It is definitely keeping the clam from closing all the way.
I picked at it a little and it has the strength and consistency of a fingernail.

Any ideas?

 

[BrooklynsReefMan1]

It looks to be i cant really ssee if the blue is is as well blocking it

 

[Zuska]

is that the clam you got at the swap???

 

[tosiek]

Leslie, u post up on clamsdirect forums yet? they would know alot more.

 

[jadakiss]

wtf is that!!!!!!!!!!yuck:eek1:

 

[LeslieS]

thanks for the tip about clams direct. I will definitely go there. the mantle is now getting pinched, but I am afraid to fwd because he cannot close.

no, this is not the clam from the swap.

 

[jhale]

leslie, ligament disease as I understand it is when the clam's two half's begin to separate.

this just happened to my large clam. the ligament connecting them has almost totally deteriorated. I just glued a patch between the two shells today as James recommends in his book. It seems to have helped the clam stabilize.

 

[LeslieS]

Thanks JH, my clam is definitely not separating. It is being held open.

Any ideas about Fresh Water dipping when a clam that cannot close?

 

[LeslieS]

Ok, it's not ligament disease. It seemed to be some sort of worm with a shell. I picked most of it away last night but was afraid of going too far. My clam seems to be closing better and his mantle is looking better as well.

I will pick a little more away tonight.