how do you know if a clam is actually dead?

[linuxpng]

I have had a maxima clam for a few months and have been feeding regularly. In the last 2 days, he won't open all the way and won't stick the mantle out at all. All the coloring on the clam is still really good, but it's just not acting right. Any advice?
Salinity 1.025
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate less than 5
Calcium 450
Alkalinity 9-10
No phosphates

 

[reefland]

Take it out and give it a sniff.

 

[Anonymous]

If you have crabs (hehe), they will be eating it!

Louey

 

[ride928]

You'll definately be able to tell by the smell. Nothing worse than a dead, rotting mollusk.

 

[Philippe Dor]

From what you describe your clam is definitely not dead but something is bothering it and you should check for small pyramedellids snails at the base of the clam.(2-3mm in size, white in colour, narrow and pointy in shape)
A dead clam will open it's shells completely (gaping) with retracted and off colour mantle, intake and outgoing syphon are also wide open and most of all the clam will not react when you poke at it whith your finger.
If the colours are right your clam is not dead, find the reason for the disturbance and you'll probably save it. Good luck anyway.

 

[O P Ing]

...have been feeding regularly...

What do you feed it, BTW?

When a clam is dead, it does not react to the environment. The shell will be opened, and if you close it with your hand, it will reopen right away.

 

[Mouse]

Poor old clammy, real difficult to pull back to health, best of luck to you. Oh, and i second all of the advice above. If your clam stinks, has withered retracted lips, fails to respond to stimuli and is covered in crabs id say your in deep trouble. Survival will be more than just a close shave.

Well, i think i managed to get that cleared up without the usual retort of foul mouthed inuendo that usually acompanys R.O threads. :roll:

 

[linuxpng]

DT's fidoplankton. Thanks for the info.

 

[mgk65]

DT's fidoplankton. Thanks for the info.

I use this to keep my dog's coat nice and shiny! :lol:

mgk