need to seperate attached clams!

[klayko]

Help! The previous weekend I was traveling I come back from a relaxing vacation to find 2 of my 4" crocea's "butted" together. The clams have attached themselves together in such a way that both of them are laying on there sides with there "feet" attached to one anothers base. I need to seperate them immediately there health is dwindling by the day... Any suggestions on the best way to seperate clams from one antoher?

Thanks
Chris

http://photos.yahoo.com/cklayko2000/

 

[davelin315]

Slowly pry them apart and cut just the filaments attaching them to each other. Stay away from the byssal opening, as damaging the clam's flesh there will kill it. As long as you don't tear them apart, they'll be okay. Just don't pry too far, or you will rip their flesh, and then you'll be out a clam or 2.

 

[Bradbendr]

Dave is right on the mark! Just use a SHARP blade and cut the byssal foot as close to its attachment point on the other clam as possible.

 

[klayko]

Thanks for the response, will the clams die for sure if the byssal opening is damaged?

Thanks
Chris

http://photos.yahoo.com/cklayko2000/

 

[toptank]

Chris, in most cases yes.

 

[davelin315]

I agree. If you can save a clam with a damaged byssal organ, you're a miracle worker.