Keeping Live Coral in your home

[Coralman]

Originally Posted by Texasbelle

I thought a clam was something you ate. When did it become coral?

Tridacna clams have become very popular reef aquarium inhabitants lately. They are very beautiful and if given the right conditions will thrive. There are about five species that are commonly offered for sale.
1. Tridacna Derasa
2. Tridacna Crocea
3. Tridacna Maxima
4. Tridacna Hippopus
5. Tridacna Gigas
6. Tridacna Squamosa

Aquarium Care:
The mantle of tridacnid clams contain zooxanthellae so they require strong light sources. The clams with blue mantles (crocea, gigas) require more light than those with brown mantles. This is because they occur in shallower water and the blue color of the mantle acts as a light filter. Those with brown mantles are also generally easier to keep. It has also been found that smaller clams require less light than larger ones.

Tridacna Crocea

These are first grade Crocea Clams. Clams are in the bivalve family.

Tridacna Squamosa


Tridacna Derasa


Tridacna Maxima


Bivalve Clams use nitrate from the water and good lighting to grow. They also need calcium and other trace elements added to the water. Most of the clams that are on the market are cultured and this helps because about half of them that are grown are returned to the ocean. When you buy one it is helping to restock the ocean