HOT TIP Submissions -- Topic: Clam Selection Tips

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HOT TIPS Column: May 2006 Issue of Advanced Aquarist

May's theme is "Clam Selection Tips." Please submit your tips and tricks for buying that special clam. Your tips and tricks will help new and existing reefkeepers and also helps to bring the hobby to the next level (plus it's just cool to get published in a magazine like Advanced Aquarist).

When published, your hot tip will have your username published (along with your real name if you so desire). Every month we will be running a new HOT TIP thread so stay tuned and help out when you can.

The staff at both Reefs.org and Advanced Aquarist would like to thank you for your continued interest and support of our online community, magazine, and services.

Let the submissions begin!

Best regards,

Reefs.org and Advanced Aquarist staff

 

[Amphiprionocellaris]

One of the most important things is the reaction test:

Place your hand between the clam and the light. If the clam reacts to the sudden shade by closing up, it's at least reasonably healthy. If the clam responds very slowly or not at all, leave it. Clams have a type of "spring" that forces them open; closing is an active mechanism and is the sign of a healthy clam.

Also, be on the lookout for any bleached or torn sections of the mantle, as well as making sure the mantle extends beyond the shell. However, note that the mantle of Hippopus species does not extend much past the shell. It's also worth noting that T. gigas naturally has uniform clearer spots in the mantle; these are totally normal.

Finally, consider size when purchasing a clam. Very large clams can sometimes have trouble acclimating; on the other hand, very small clams are obligate filter-feeders until they get larger. The safest bet is a good mid-sized clam. You also want to consider adult size: T. gigas, T. deresa, and T. squamosa all get very large and grow quickly. It would be irresponsible to house them in an environment which they will quickly outgrow.

Good luck, and have fun!

T. Dornhoffer

 

[Len]

Look at the mouth (incurrent siphon). If it is very wide and gaping, I would not recommend purchasing this clam.

 

[Anonymous]

inspect the clam for parisites prior to adding it to your reef. snails can hide under the mantle as well as other hitch hikers that you might not want. also check the shells for holes this is also a sign of parisites.

 

[Hedonic]

Make sure the mantle is rich and deep in its color with out any white spots that break the pattern. The flushing of zooanthellae is a deffinite sign of a clam on its way out.

 

[brandonberry]

I usually prefer to get clams that have been steamed and come with melted butter and cocktail sauce on the side.

 

[Unarce]

There are still occasions where even though all of the positive signs mentioned above are shown, other possible red flags may go unnoticed. Sometimes the tank inhabitants can also offer premonitions of a clam that might otherwise appear completely healthy.

A shrimp clinging patiently on the shell. Hermits or bristleworms congregated at the base of the shell near the byssal opening. These are telling signs of impending internal deterioration that aren't indicative by the clams appearance.