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Clams and conchs compatible. 2/23/16 Tridacnid Compatibility - 12/19/2012 Tridacna derasa and a Premnas
biaculeatus, comp. 1/21/12 Clam eating wrasse
5/10/10
05/02/10 Clam and Hammer Coral
comp. Re: 05/02/10 Clam and Hammer Coral
2/9/10 Zanclus and Tridacna
12/17/09 Clam And Blue Sponge/Clam Health
9/4/09 Zo Polyps encroaching on clam space
8/29/2009 Clownfish/clam/carpet anemone, hosting --
08/14/09 polyps on a clam 5/12/09 Nassarius Snail vs. Crocea Clam - 10/20/08 Hello, <Hi there, Jeremy.> I awoke this morning to find a Nassarius snail eating on my Crocea clam. <Yikes!> The clam has always seemed healthy and I hadn't noticed any problems with it. I removed the snail and my clam is still alive, extending and contracting most of its mantle except for the part the snail was on. <Okay> Did the snail start eating the clam because it is sick or dying? Or are Nassarius snails a natural predator to Crocea clams? <They're not actually dedicated predators of these clams, but they are carnivorous and opportunistic. Most of the time, Nassarius snails make terrific little tank scavengers, but I have read the occasional reports of them snacking on healthy clams. My guess is that in these cases, there wasn't enough readily available food so the snails went after the clam as an easy meal. That could easily be what happened in your case as well, given that you feel the clam is in otherwise good condition. If it were me, I wouldn't put the snail back in the tank, but if you still have others, I'd discourage them from straying by keeping them well fed. You can offer something like sinking pellets or any meaty bits of marine origin (shrimp, fish, etc.> Thank you for your help. Jeremy <You're very welcome. Take care, -Lynn>
Giant clam question/s, sys., comp. 07/22/2008 Hi! <<Hello, Andrew today>> Hope you all aren't burning up like I am down here in sunny Phoenix, AZ! <<Not likely, currently experiencing day after day of rain and cloud here in England.. He he he>> Because it's so hot, I've been spending more and more time indoors and thinking, a dangerous combination, especially for my wallet. I have decided that I want to try keeping a giant clam. I plan on setting up a new aquarium for it. I understand that clams like well established tanks, but what exactly does this mean? If I take utilize sand and liverock from my existing tank, would that count? I'm definitely not averse to waiting 6-9 months for the tank get truly established, but I wasn't sure. <<My honest opinion is to wait until the tank matures before going down the route of adding a clam. This will help in the long run by providing a nice stable / matured environment>> I'm wondering about the compatibility of these fish with the clam. Of course each individual fish are different, but is there anything that jumps out at you? Tomato clown, pearly Jawfish, 4-stripe damsel, coral (pixie) Hawkfish, blue-legged hermit, skunk shrimp, and thinking of various snails. <<Compatibility wise, I see no compatibility issues between the above and a clam. However, I would say that the Hawkfish is not "overly" compatible with the shrimp. These would be classed as lunch by the Hawkfish, who do have a large mouth and specially designed conical teeth for eating>> Thank you for your time! <<Thanks for the questions, I hope this helps. A Nixon>> Crocea Clam Compatibility - 06/08/2007 Hello, I've been doing a lot of research on WWM and had some specific questions about compatibility with a T. Crocea clam. My current setup has stable water parameters with a few corals (Hammer Coral, Trachyphyllia Brain Coral, Purple Ribbon Gorgonian, and some Zoanthids), a few shrimp (four peppermint and one skunk cleaner shrimp), and six fish (yellow tang, purple tang, powder brown tang-A. Japonicus, a true percula clown, a Mandarin dragonet-with a healthy supply of copepods, and a six-line wrasse). My question is if I have to worry about any of the above creatures harassing a clam if added. <Mmm, no... nothing "jumps out" as likely> From what I've read I should be fine unless my fish have a specific personal hunger for clam, but I wanted to make sure I hadn't missed something. I still have a lot of research to do on Calcium and Alkalinity levels before I even think of buying one and I really want to do this carefully. Thanks for any help you can offer, Nick <Do you feel comfortable re the extent of your knowledge re other aspects of Tridacnid husbandry? I would go forward with your acquisition if so. Bob Fenner> Re: Crocea Clam Compatibility - 6/8/08 I've read the most of the articles on beginner Tridacnid keeping and placement for specific types that I could find. I also looked through the FAQs that you have posted and the articles on each of the specific fish and corals that I have, but hadn't found anything that seemed dangerous until I read a couple of the FAQs about the A. Hepatus nipping at crocea mantles and wanted to double check. After sending the message last night I went and bought a couple test kits and supplements for calcium and figured out that the carbonate hardness is at 12 dKH and my calcium was at 240 ppm <Low...> so I added some Kent calcium stuff <Mmm, do read re... and DON'T add directly to your tank... introduce dissolved in new water during water changes... that's been stored> and will be checking it later this evening. As for the rest, specific gravity is at a constant 1.023, <I'd raise this... 1.025...> pH is 8.2, 0-1 nitrates, 0 nitrites, 0 ammonia. Thanks again for your help, Nick <Welcome. BobF> Saddleback clamfish Crazy Clowns hosting in Clam 3-31-08 Hi crew, <Good Morning. Yunachin here.> Is it unusual that my two Saddleback clowns have hosted in my Derasa clam? The clam never closes on them and despite having a giant long tentacle anemone to go to, they choose the clam. <Not common but not uncommon either.> Even when my Six-line wrasse is chasing them down (which I don't understand either), <Wrasse can have little attitudes especially with new fish.> they could easily attain safety if they go to the long tentacle anemone, but they just try and dodge the Six-line in the clam. They have only been in the tank about a week... perhaps they will figure out the wrasse will no longer nip them in the safety of the long tentacle after some time. <Hopefully. I would watch them very carefully as clams do have a taste for fish. I have seen many a clam take fish down quickly, if you get concerned you can always move the clam to a spot that they cannot get to right away, then if frightened, they will book to the Long Tentacle. After they take to the LTA, then you can move the clam to wherever you see fit.> Thanks Alan <You're welcome! -Yunachin>
Keeping Puffers with Clams? No Way! 11/26/07 Hi all, <Hi, Pufferpunk here> I have a 65 gallon tank, currently with a Volitans and blue spotted puffer (I know a new tank is in my future). I was wondering if there were any tricks to train a puffer to leave my crocea alone? Clam is about 5-6 inches and puffer is 3inches, lion is about 4 inches. Normally my puffer just picks at the rocks but has just recently started picking at my new clam. I love both tank inhabitants and would hate to have to get rid of either so any help would be greatly appreciated thank you. <Clams are a natural food source for any puffer. Puffers are not puppies, they cannot be trained to leave their yummies alone. One of the 2 will have to go. ~PP> Tag from Doodles & Daydreams Clown fish and clam comp. 9/23/07 Hi-- <Hello> My pair of clown fish have decided to host in my clam. He has put up with it for months but now he is not fully opening during the day. Any suggestions for how to stop the clowns? <Mmm, to separate them, or offer a suitable substitute host...> I heard there might be a breed of fish that would "guard" the clam? Thanks for your advice. <Mmm, not as far as I'm aware. Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/clnfshanmfaq5.htm and the linked files above. Bob Fenner> Denise LaForte Squamosa Clam... bizarre... comp. 9/11/07 Hello crew, <Greetings! Mich here.> I was wondering why I can't find articles on Tridacna clams on your site. <I don't know. The articles are here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/tridacnidart.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i3/Clam_care/Clam_care.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BookMatters/WWM/NMA-RI/NMA-RI_Tridacnids-demo.pdf One of many pages of FAQ's: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/tridacnidfaq.htm The reason is because I recently purchased a squamosa clam. It has SPS corals growing on it. <Neat!> Is this normal, <Heehee! Define normal!> and what is this white fuzzy growth on its mantle, <Mmm, no pic attached.> and should I remove the corals off the clam. <Should be OK unless it's interfering with the ability of the clam to open or close. I would remove if one or the other appears to be suffering other wise I would let well enough alone.> Thanks in advance. <Welcome! Mich> Crocea Clam and Yellow Clown Goby... Goby Hosting in
a Clam 8/26/07 Hello WWM, <Hi Jerry, Mich here.>
You guys are the best, <Thank you for the kind words!> I
don't even bother asking the LFS my questions anymore. <Know the
feeling.> I tried to find the answer on the website but with no
luck. <Didn't find an answer, but I did find a query describing
similar behavior. You can read more here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/clamplcmtfaqs.htm Tridacnid placement and
attachment - 4/15/04 > I have a Crocea Clam that has been with me
for almost a year now. I Introduced a Citron Clown Goby to the tank and
within the last 3 weeks, the Clown Goby has started to nestle down into
the mouth of clam, then after a few minutes he viciously bites the clam
and allows it to close around him. The Clown Goby then sits contented
within the clam. <I would absolutely love to see video of this. Any
chance you can take any?> He does this several times in a row and
constantly throughout the day. <This has to be absolutely adorable
to observe.> I looked for damage to the Crocea but there seems to be
none. <A good sign.> Is this behavior normal? <I've never
heard of it before today, but that doesn't mean too much. My fellow
crew member Brenda just found this thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/printthread.php?s=8b731f7485dc071e582beef3fc6dee0d&threadid=1139582
So it's doesn't seem like this behavior is all that rare.
Typically these tiny fish hide out in Acropora and other
"branchy" corals. Do you keep Acropora in this tank?> More
importantly will this bizarre relationship harm my Crocea? <I
don't know if it's harmfully to either for sure, If the clam is
perpetually closed it would obviously interfere with the clams'
ability to take in nutrition. But I suspect this isn't the case.
Perhaps RMF will comment here.><<Not likely a problem.
RMF>> Thanks for all you help, <Welcome! Would love to see
this interaction. I do hope you might be able to send us a clip.>
Jerry <Cheers, Mich> Companion Fishes For A Small Clam Tank - 05/31/07 Thanks for taking the time to read this question. <<Quite welcome>> I recently acquired a very large Derasa clam (bigger than a football) and decided to put it in a tank by itself. <<Mmm, would actually benefit from the presence of some suitable fishes (production of some nitrogenous compounds), in my opinion>> My setup now is a 125 g reef tank that overflows into a 25 g sump with a deep crushed coral substrate, LR, and an ASM G3 skimmer. The sump drains into a 125 g refugium with a DSB, about 100 lbs of LR, and Caulerpa with an AquaC remora pro that I run intermittently to collect any surface scum that accumulates over time. <<I see>> My parameters are T 77-78F, Salinity 1.025, pH 8.2, KH ~12, Ca 375, Nitrates undetectable, and Phosphates undetectable. I got a 30 g cube which is now pretty much dominated by the clam. <<I'll bet>> The tank is fed from the refugium and drains through the sump. <<Ahh, ok...>> I currently have no fish in the clam tank. <<Understood>> Should I be concerned that the clam will not receive sufficient nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) from the refugium? <<I do think this is a possibility, yes>> I have been supplementing with DT's. The separate tank is useful because I can turn off the return pump and feed only that tank and concentrate the Phyto without polluting everything else. <<Mmm, yes...very useful indeed>> I was thinking of adding a Six-Line Wrasse to guard against Pyramidellid snails. <<Can be useful re...but will make it very difficult to add any other small/peaceful fishes...there are better choices in my opinion>> I already have a Yellow "Coris" Wrasse in my main tank, so I should be somewhat protected should I introduce any pests into that tank (I did quarantine the clam for 2 weeks and don't plan to add any new corals or LR into the clam tank). <<I will assume the "Coris" is Halichoeres chrysus? Great fish...and a Halichoeres species would be my choice for the clam tank>> I have wanted a Hawkfish for some time, but don't think the 30 is big enough. <<Hmm, for most species yes...but check out Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus, the Pixie Hawkfish, and see what you think>> I also wasn't able to find any info concerning clam/hawk or 6 line wrasse/hawk compatibility in the FAQ's. <<The clam should be fine with either in my opinion...though the tank may be too small for the Pseudocheilinus and the Hawkfish to "make nice">> Alternately, I was thinking of stocking the 30 with one of the following: Seahorse pair, Pipefish, Jawfish, Banggai Cardinal pair, Leopard Wrasse, or Mandarin. <<The Cardinals are the best choice here I think. The Jawfish may prove too disruptive to this small tank, and the rest all pose extreme difficulties of husbandry...though these can be overcome with careful/thorough research and commitment to the species selected>> I think many of these would be incompatible with the wrasse given the small confines. <<Is almost a certainty with a Pseudocheilinus species, yes...not so much with Halichoeres>> The sump does a good job of stocking my display with lots of copepods, so I thought I might make a go at one of these trickier species. <<I see...do be aware that half the battle can be proper selection of a healthy/feeding specimen from the LFS>> Any suggestions regarding stocking options or mistakes that I am making would be appreciated. <<You have my opinions>> Thanks <<Happy to share. Eric Russell>> Squamosa Spawn and Coral Bleach = Clam and Cocktail Sauce? 5/21/07 Hey crew! <Hay now brown cow!> Recently I purchased a Tridacna squamosa. This clam is about 8 inches long and quite beautiful. I also have an Acropora that was a gorgeous Pink Purple. The Acro has been happy for months and exhibited good growth. Recently the Squamosa has released white streams from its orifice. Immediately my Acro released its zooxanthellae and turned white. Complete bummer. <I'm sorry.> All other aquarium inhabitants seem fine at this point. All water parameters textbook. I do small water changes weekly. 200 Gallon display 180 Degree Half Cylinder <Oooh! Niceee!> 70-Gallon Refuge 70-Gallon Sump Calcium 400 Nitrate 1 PPM Temp 79 Salinity 1.026 Deep Sandbed 5 to 6 inches Water Turnover 16x random turbulent 80 Gallon water change per month IO DT, Liquid Life, Prime Reef Skimmate 1 cup weekly thick black Tank 1.5 year aged Macro Gracilaria, Chaetomorpha, Red Kelp 6 Stage RO/DI TDS Meter 250-Watt Halides 27 inches of water to top of sand bed Shall I eat the clam? <Would you like the cocktail sauce or do you prefer drawn butter?> MJ <Just kidding ...though they did hunt and gather Tridacna on one season of "Survivor" Mich> Is a snowflake eel clam safe? - 05/07/07 Hello all, it's Rob again! <Hi Rob.> My new tank is/was working out very well. It is a 5'x24"x16" liner tank, all plywood and rubber liner. It is connected to (via overflow) a 75 gallon that was to be for a few small fish. The liner tank was to be for coral, algae, and critters, essentially a refugium. Until I bought a snowflake eel for the 75 gallon <Wasn't it intended for small fish?>. All was well, until the night before last. I was doing my normal routine, cleaning skimmer, changing water and cleaning the overflow. In doing so, I removed the plastic screen I cut to fit the overflow, knowing the eel would love to find its way out, and forgot to replace it after cleaning! The next day, guess where the snowflake was/is! <Tell me.> I removed all the Chaeto from the liner tank and placed it into the 75 gallon. I also placed a few more live rocks in there as well (in hopes of saving my tiny invert collection!). In each tank there is about 65 pounds of live rock. There are many snails, four or five different kinds, from the live rock and sand I suppose. Micro serpent stars, shrimp, copepods and amphipods. The liner tank has some softies and a 3" maxima! I know eels are "reef safe", (could care less about him eating the hermits!!) but what about clam safe?! The water level is low enough that he cannot escape the tank, so that's not an issue. <You'll need some kind of lid (or gaze) in the long run.> He is only about 8". What are the odds of him being okay with the clam? <He will not eat the clam, but possibly knock it down while exploring the tank. Please see http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i3/Clam_care/Clam_care.htm for information/care/placement of your clam.> He eats well, shrimp, squid and tilapia, sometimes salmon. I hate to say it, but I like the idea of keeping him in this tank, so neat to peer down on top of its home. Seems more natural I guess! Thanks for your help!! Rob. <You are welcome. Take care. Marco.> Hippo Tang Reef Safe, I think Not (- Says his Anecdote) 5/7/07 Hello again. <Hi.> This is more for your FAQ's readers than a question. <Okay...> I have a Trachyphyllia brain coral that wasn't opening for days. I have had this coral for over a year (I think) and have never had any issue with it not opening, other than low Alk. So while writing on your forum I was watching the tank (next to the computer) and saw my small Hippo tang (2.5 inches) <Mmm...not to get off track but in all honesty, I'm a frowner on the collection and purchase of this species at this size.> going after it like it was algae, trying to rip chunks off. Well needless to say that was the problem and it has been moved to another tank, it is expanding like normal since the move. I have read before that tangs can and sometimes will eat open brain corals but I never thought a Hippo tang would be on the list. <Thanks for sharing. While the experience here is anecdotal, and likely not a representation of how the species acts in general, it is still a good reminder on that 'ole salty cliché? "There are no guarantees." Animals aren't made in factories, they are individuals. Having said that typically when a captive animal exhibits strange predatory or feeding behaviors it is due to something lacking in the offered diet.> Thanks, hope this comes in helpful to someone, Ryan. <Thanks again for sharing. Adam Jackson.> Clam Sponge? 4/17/04 I just got a Crocea Clam (my first) yesterday. With so many beautiful specimens at the store, I found it hard to pick one that I liked. Finally, I settled on one, mostly because of its beautiful orange parts of it's shell. It has bright orange sections with holes in the orange. After rereading the NMA reef book section on clams on WWM, I saw a part that talked about boring sponges. I never really heard about these while doing my research on clams. I think it may be a boring sponge on my clam and it covers quite a bit of the shell. I read that if left alone, it can kill the clam. My question is am I able to get rid of the sponge and how dangerous is it? <Mmm, well, first off... this may not be a sponge (many other organism groups, possibilities), but... could be. If really concerned, a thorough, and I mean a bunch of scrubbing, of the shell can be done... in a pan of water that you'll need to keep changing, outside the tank... with an old toothbrush...>> Is it contagious? <Mmm, as in can/could it spread? Yes> I can send a picture later today if you need one. My tank is a 75 gallon reef tank and everything is in parameters. Thanks. <Okay. Bob Fenner> Sinularia vs. Tridacna Clam 4/1/07 Hi, <Hello.> Have you ever known of a Sinularia to bother any type of clams??? <No However I would be sure that the growth of the Sinularia does not impede upon the direct source of light needs by the Tridacna, and that the Sinularia does not come into direct contact with the clam...which would keep the mantle from properly extending.> I know to keep it away from most LPSs, but am curious if it can or will hurt a clam. <See above.> Thanks <Of course.> Barbara <Adam J.> Clams and Alcyoniids 1/16/07 Hey again guys. I have a question about Tridacnid and Alcyoniid compatibility. I've heard that allelopathy between Scleractinians and Alcyoniids can be really nasty with the stonies usually losing out and growing slower, but would the same happen with a clam? <Not that I'm aware of... they're sometimes found immediately adjacent in the wild> They are sort of "stony." <Mmmm, these corals? Not so much... ones a Hex, the other an Octo-corallian...> I know the clam can't fight back the same way stonies can, but would the presence of, say, a toadstool leather end up badly for a clam? thanks for the help. <All else being semi-equal (wonder where I'm getting this from...) I don't think there's reason for concern here... Good maintenance, enough lighting and food for all... should save the day. BobF> Clams and Angels 11/15/2006 Hello Crew, <<Hello>> I have a 36 gallon saltwater tank with a flame and a cherub angel and surprisingly they have not harmed one another. I also have a fire shrimp, a yellow tailed damsel, a royal Gramma, and various corals and one clam. <<You do know that your tank is overstocked, right?>> When I first purchased the 2 clams, they used to be open all the time, such beautiful specimens! Then the angels were starting to pick at them, mostly the flame angel. <<Not surprising, but unfortunate.>> The larger of the clams was more brave and used to open somewhat despite the picking from the angels. But the smaller one closed up more and more and I was beginning to worry because the clams need light to survive. I tries moving the smaller one closer to light and in different locations but the pecking continued until yesterday when I looked in my tank the clam was a darker more dull blue inside and the shrimp was eating through it's flesh! <<Sorry to hear that. Next time, removal before death is advisable.>> I took him out and threw him away.... the poor thing but is there anything I can do to stop the pecking from my angels? <<Not really, but seeing as you need a larger tank anyway, setting up another tank and introducing the angels after the clam may work, but usually once a pecker, always a pecker!>> After the other one died, I moved the larger one up to the surface of the water and now he is open almost all the time and almost all the way because the angels rarely go up so high! The one concern from me is that I don't get to see the clams beautiful colors anymore because I cannot view the inside of him. How can I prevent my angels from picking on him when he is placed on the substrate in order for me to view his colors? <<Depending on the species, it may not belong on the substrate.>> It seems they pick on him more when he is lower because they pass by him much more often. <<Another issue a larger tank may solve.>> Any advice would help! Thank you! <<Glad to help. Lisa>> Clams in harms way... sys., comp. 11/12/06 Hello Crew, <Clowning...> I have a 36 gallon saltwater tank with a flame and a cherub angel <Not enough room...> and surprisingly they have not harmed one another. <As far as seems apparent> I also have a fire shrimp, a yellow tailed damsel, a royal Gramma, and various corals and one clam. When I first purchased the 2 clams, they used to be open all the time, such beautiful specimens! Then the angels were starting to pick at them, mostly the flame angel. <Not atypical behavior, particularly in too crowded settings> The larger of the clams was more brave and used to open somewhat despite the picking from the angels. But the smaller one closed up more and more and I was beginning to worry because the clams need light to survive. I tries <tried> moving the smaller one closer to light and in different locations but the pecking continued until yesterday when I looked in my tank the clam was a darker more dull blue inside and the shrimp was eating through it's flesh! I took him out and threw him away.... the poor thing but is there anything I can do to stop the pecking from my angels? <More appropriate setting... much larger volume system> After the other one died, I moved the larger one up to the surface of the water and now he is open almost all the time and almost all the way because the angels rarely go up so high! The one concern from me is that I don't get to see the clams beautiful colors anymore because I cannot view the inside of him. How can I prevent my angels from picking on him when he is placed on the substrate in order for me to view his colors? It seems they pick on him more when he is lower because they pass by him much more often. Any advice would help! Thank you! <A bigger tank... please see WWM re the Compatibility, Systems... of all these species. Bob Fenner> Orange Hair-Like Things - 09/04/06 Hello crew! <<Hey Josh!>> Just a real quick question. <<Okey-Dokey>> I noticed last night on the live rock next to my clam, there are several very very small hair-like things... worms maybe? <<Good possibility>> They are orange and all come out of the same spot, almost like tentacles. <<Ah, yes...a Serpulid worm possibly...or maybe even the arms of a small serpent or brittle starfish>> Are they bad? <<No>> Are they going to injure the clam? <<No>> One is almost touching the small foot of the clam. I moved him temporally until I hear back from you. Thanks... <<I don't think you have anything to be concerned about here>> Josh Henley <<Regards, Eric Russell>> Worried About Bristleworms and Clams...An Unwarranted
Fear - 08/11/06 Hello again, hope you are having a good day.
<<Hi Ryan! Am having some problems with my back
today...otherwise fine, thank you>> I am thinking about
purchasing a Maxima clam and have heard that bristle worms can eat
clams (although I once took a tank down for a customer and he had both
with no issues)<<A rare and overrated fear my
friend. The bristleworms will quickly devour a dead clam,
but very rarely (if ever) attack a healthy specimen. These
worms are an over villianized asset to any marine system>> I have
a blue Flavivertex Pseudochromis that will hopefully keep the worm
population in check. <<Maybe...but not a real concern in my
opinion. I routinely feed/encourage the growth/expansion of
bristleworms in my reef system...and I have three T. crocea which have
remained un-mauled for three years>> Anyway, do you think it is a
safe purchase (knowing I have worms)? <<Absolutely, yes>>
Also I have 250 watt MH, 2 65 watt PC on a 90 gallon tank (clam would
be near top), is this sufficient? <<It is>> Thanks, Ryan
Nienhuis <<Always welcome, Eric Russell>> If this email is
to Mr. Fenner (I wrote him about this before) the red Favia that was
nearly dead has fully recovered and looks great. Thanks
again. <<I'm sure he will see this and be pleased to
know. Nips on Crocea Clam and Plate
Coral 7/25/06 I have a small crocea clam and a short
tentacle plate coral (Fungia fungites) that recently have been getting
half-circle shaped nips, about 2mm wide. They occur at
night, and usually there are just 2-3 nips on each. The nips
are on the edges of the clam mantle, and on the tops of the ridges on
the plate coral. Both the clam and the plate coral have been
in the tank for about 9 months, and have been healthy and growing, and
thus far, regrow the nipped areas very quickly. I have
not added any new live rock or coral in at least 6 months, so I doubt I
have a new hitch-hiker. <Perhaps an old, getting-larger, hungrier
one...> Fish - Ocellaris Clown, Chalk Basslet, Longnose Hawkfish,
Horned Blenny (Parablennius spp.), and a Hawaiian Fourline Wrasse
(Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia). <These last two might be
the culprit here> Invertebrates - Sally Lightfoot Crab (Percnon
gibbesi), (2) small blue-legged hermits (Clibanarius tricolor) and a
larger zebra hermit (Calcinus laevimanus), Margarite snails (Margarites
pupillus), Nassarius snails. <Mmm, note, genera are capitalized...
I'll do this for you before posting> I never see any of these
animals on, or hanging around the clam or plate coral. All
of the fish & invertebrates have been in the tank for 1 year+,
except the blenny and the Basslet. The crab & the blenny
are at the tops of my suspect list, but I don't know how to verify
this. Any suggestions? <Well... the Percnon is
"nippy", but doesn't leave crescent bite marks... I
suspect one of the mentioned fishes... number one suspect the blenny...
Could remove to elsewhere and see if the bite marks cease... Bob
Fenner> Steve Read...Read...Read... Tridacnids, Seastars...and Lack of Research 07/04/06 Hi I have a few questions I hope you can answer <Okay.> I have ordered a Tridacna crocea how much light do they need <You should not have ordered such a delicate, and specific animals without first researching this...the fact that you have ordered it without being aware of its photosynthetic needs.. is VERY troubling to me...> I have a 45gal HEX with a 175watt halogen pendent light <The animal should be in the rock-work high in the tank.> What other supplements do they need just Phytoplankton & light? <General Tridacnid care is posted on WWM.> The light is 10" from the surface I was going to place the clam 8" down from the surface Do I need to add strontium and iodine and trace elements also ? <...Posted on WWM...you need to start reading my friend and researching.> I also ordered a Red Knob Sea Star (Asteroides sp.) South America are they compatible with the Tridacna crocea ? <Not at all!> I didn't realize they are Carnivores thought they were Omnivores Some people say there reef safe <Hardly.> some say they are not all I have are shrimps , crabs, snails & <All at risk!> Fridmani Pseudochromis If it is compatible what do I feed it and how .. <Also posted on WWM, also a question that should have been researched/asked BEFORE purchase!> Thanks a lot <Adam J.> Niger Trigger And Clam Compatibility...Clam Chowder In The Works 6/28/06 Hi, <Hello Jason> I enjoy learning on your site, and after looking through the FAQ's on Niger Triggers, I have not found an answer to this one. I would really like the opportunity to keep a Niger Trigger in my 125 gallon reef. I mostly keep soft corals and LPS with a few SPS thrown in...(gently glued in). From what I have read, this fish can get quite big, be aggressive to other fish and is a planktivore. <No such..., triggerfish are carnivores.> (Sorry for my spelling as English is not my mother tongue). <The spell checker works great for this.> As I accept these facts and can later accommodate a larger fish, I am left with one question. What would it do to my Crocea and Squamosa clams? <Make Clam Chowder. Clams are on their menu in nature.> Thanks for your time. <You're welcome. James (Salty Dog) Tridacnids And Reef Inhabitants 6/26/06 Good morning! <Good morning> I'm almost afraid to ask this question. Which of the following would I definitely have to get rid of in order to keep Tridacnids? I expect the angels would be at the top of the list? juvenile queen angel <Goodbye> Singapore Angel (definitely going bye bye-it killed a sand sifting star) <Goodbye> Coral Beauty <Usually safe, caution advised here.> Regal Tang <Can stay> Royal Gramma <OK> Dottyback <OK> mated pair of maroon clowns <Can stay> Yellow Clown Goby <Another keeper> Lawnmower Blenny <Welcome> small hermits <Bluelegs and the like...yes, can stay.> Ceriths <Fine> Nerites <OK> 1 turbo <Can stay> 1 cleaner shrimp <OK> <Do read the FAQ's here on clam compatibility for more info. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/tridaccompfaqs.htm James (Salty Dog)> Tridacnid Jail 6/5/06 Hi all <Hello.> Maybe it is a stupid question sorry.. <No worries.> The tank 100 gallon with angelfish and 1 juvenile Tridacnid clam with the refugium full of kelp. I know I can't mix them both, the clam will be nipped by the angelfish and eventually will die. <Depends on exact angel species, but yes good idea to separate the two if at all possible.> But I love the clam so I covered the clam with the tin (you know the tin for soldering the electronic component just like wire). so the question: Is the tin safe in the sea water?. <I wouldn't use it, use something like a small (but clear) Rubbermaid container to crate the clam.> so far my angelfishes avoid that clam and it works. Thanking you in advance Best regards Ignatio <Adam J.> Missing Bivalves - 02/20/06 Hello WWM crew, <Mike> A couple of weeks ago I went to feed my Flame Scallop (deep in a cave) <Where Lima, Limulus species are often found in the wild...> and found an empty shell. I didn't really think too much of it. Last night I fed my 3" Maxima Clam which was perched on a low rock. I came home for lunch today and noticed something knocked it off the rock. Not too unusual as it hadn't attached yet and my 6" Lawnmower Blenny is real clumsy. After work I went to put it back and found it empty! <Yikes!> Tank: 75 gallon, 20 gallon sump, 10 gallon refugium, 100+ lbs. live rock, live sand bed, 2 x 400W MH lighting, SPS, LPS, all healthy/growing. Tankmates: pr. Maroon Clowns, large BTA, med. Yellow Tang, med. Clown Fairy Wrasse, Scooter Blenny, Target Mandarin, Lawnmower Blenny, Watchman Goby, Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp, Coral Banded Shrimp, Pistol Shrimp (new), various snails, slugs, Emerald Crabs (2), 30+ hermits (1 large red legged), and thousands of Pods. Any ideas? Thanks, Mike <Mmm, to be "all gone" is odd here, given the list of animals provided... the most likely culprit would be the CBS, Stenopid... but only if the Tridacnid were impaired, it were very hungry... the Pen Shell doesn't have much "to it"... could have just died, dissolved. Bob Fenner> Help Condy Killing
Spree - 2/15/2006 Hello, thanks for the wonderful site! I
have a Condylactis anemone, recently the Condy attached itself to one
of my clams. I can't seem to get the anemone to release
to separate them at opposite ends of the tank. Is there any
tricks out there to get Condys to release? <I would just get a
butter knife and try to pry it away from the clam! IanB> Best, Bryan
Clam Being Attacked by Nassarius Snails? 1/31/06 Hi there- <Greetings> Let me start by adding my thanks to you and your crew there. By far, you are the best and most complete resource for this kind of info. Two years ago, when we first started our tank, our ultimate goal was to have a clam or two. So we invested in great halides and have mostly corals and worms in our 50 gal tank (two fish--a percula and a magenta Dottyback). We still have all of our original feather dusters, and seem to have cycled through the various stages that indicate an established tank. Our feather dusters are beautiful and soft-looking, so we were ready to buy a clam. We set up our quarantine tank and selected a 3" maxima from the LFS. It was in beautiful shape, and seemed to accept the acclimation process very nicely. <So far so good...> We went out for a couple of hours, and when we got back, if you can believe it, our heater exploded. <Yikes!> The temperature had gone from 79 to 83, and the clam looked like it had deflated. I was sick about this. I slowly readjusted the temperature, and installed a new heater, which I then watched until I was sure it was calibrated to holding at 79-80. The next day, the clam did not look any better, but was still alive. <Such challenges take a while (days, weeks) for invertebrates, most fishes to recover completely from> I did a 25% water change (as I do almost everyday when I have someone in quarantine). I followed this pattern for 6 more days, and the clam was actually recovering. Yesterday, it's full colors were displayed again, and the gaping had reduced to smaller than a dime. I was very hopeful. Well, I went to check on it in the afternoon, and one of the Nassarius snails was on its mantle. I picked it off and removed it from the tank. An hour later, I looked at the clam again (I know I'm obsessing over it), and there were two more snails on it, and I could not spot the fourth one that lived in the tank. Then I realized it had actually climbed inside of the clam! <Can, yes> The clam looked very distressed, so I picked off the outside snails waiting their turn to get inside, and then used a Mysis shrimp dangling from a pair of tweezers to lure out the other one (which worked very quickly). The clam after all this, looked terrible again. This morning, it looks better, but the end where the snails were is still retracted, maybe even missing. At last, here are my questions. 1) I have found no research to suggest these snails are incompatible with clams. Are they? <Mmm, generally are fine together... but if hungry, the clam in distress... can/will "cross over the line"> Will I need to remove these snails from my main tank once the clam is in (assuming it makes it)? <Probably not...> 2) What were the snails after? <The clam itself... food> Did they detect some dying tissue on the clam? <Oh yes... they are very perceptive re> This doesn't make sense to me, because they left it alone when it really looked bad, and only went after it when it was recovering. <As it would seem apparently...> 3) Do you think the snails did damage while in there? <Not much if the animal is still alive... this is more of a question or example of linear vs. a strict "consequential-chain law" thinking... That is, while the clam was distressed, the snails were receiving more of a signal that it was a food source... not "A" then "B"> I suppose the answer to this Q is that time will tell. Thanks very much for your help. --Jill <Thank you for writing. Bob Fenner> The Clam Swallowed my Clownfish! The Case of the Missing Clown - 11/30/05 Hello, <Hello Wendy> Just want to say I love your website, very informative. Now here is my predicament, I purchased my first fish (Percula Clown) 2 days ago. The other morning the clam (hitch hiker from live rock, who has never moved from his spot under the live rock for 5 weeks) is out in the middle of the aquarium sitting in the sand with the fish hovering over top of him. I thought this was kind of strange <Me too> but the Clown did not look stressed so I went to work. When I got home from work the Clown was gone, I searched for 2 hours and could not find a body anywhere. Since there is nothing else in the tank beside dime size crabs, it had to be the clam. <Not entirely convinced here.... I've seen a clam briefly trap a slow/unwary/not-too-bright fish, but not consume. Clams are filter-feeders, not piscivores. <<But John, haven't you seen those movies where the clam clamps down on the diver's leg, thus ensuring that he will drown once his air runs out? Marina>> I assume you checked behind, under, in rocks for signs of your clown? Or on the floor around the tank? Perhaps your clown expired and was consumed by scavengers (crabs)? Or, possibly, an as-yet-unseen predator could be at work. Perhaps the same one that moved the clam?> <<Or the carpet.. could have gone a-carpet surfing! MH>> I tried to open up the clam but could not without doing damage. Do you know how to do this without hurting the clam? <I don't think you can.> Regards <Kind regards, John> Wendy Worman The Clam, It Swallows my Fish! Don't Blame the Clam 12/1/05 Hi John, Thanks for your response. To answer your question, when I said I searched for 2 hours I wasn't kidding, all rock was taken out, all hoses, filters and skimmer searched. I also know that Clown fish are jumpers so yes I looked all around the outside of the tank. I am thinking any predator in my tank is very tiny, no way could they consume an entire fish in 8 hours. <You'd be surprised. Do a search through WWM for Mantis shrimp. Not saying that is definitely your issue here, but it serves as a good example.> I know a clam swallowing a fish sounds crazy, but that is the only conclusion I can come up with. Is there any other type of shell fish that could possibly consume a fish? I do not want to put any more fish in the tank until this mystery is solved, any other suggestions would be welcomed before I open up the clam. <I'd be willing to wager you find nothing. At any rate... a day on from the event, no benefit to prizing this filter feeder open.> Thanks again, Wendy <You're welcome... I hope you solve the mystery. John> BTA And Clams? - 09/25/05 Hi WWW Crew <<Hello>> Well here's my questions, when you say you should feed the BTA Anemones what should I feed them and how often. <<Diced meaty foods (shrimp, clams, etc.)>> And also could I mix BTA's with other anemones? <<Nope>> Also could I keep ant T. clams with anemones in a 60 gallon with 260 watts of pc lighting. <<I wouldn't...though it has nothing to do with the lighting.>> Thanks in Advance <<EricR>> Tridacnid compatibility mainly 9/23/05 Hello, I bought a crocea clam 2 wks ago I was reading your articles and was thinking are bumble bee snails and alga eating crabs the small ones you buy in stores 6-8 for $10.00 a possible risk to the clam? eating wise? and scarlet cleaner shrimp? thank you, from R.G. <These are minimal risks. Please read on WWM re all these species, groups stated compatibility. Bob Fenner> Boxfish 9/19.5/05 Would an Ostracion Meleagris boxfish constantly harass Tridacna clams? Just checking compatibility... Thanks! <They are supposed to be safe. Keep in mind they can release toxins when disturbed. Have you looked here yet? http://www.wetwebmedia.com/boxfshbehfaqs.htm James (Salty Dog)> <<RMF would not place Tetraodontiform fishes with Tridacnids period...>> Tridacna Clams And PC Lights - 08/23/05 Hello crew, <<Howdy>> I have been looking into getting some Tridacna clams for my aquarium but I have a two questions. First, I have a 75 gallon tank (18H, 18W, 48L) w/ 8 65 watt PC lights (4 actinic & 4 WT day) and 8 LED moonlights. Is this enough light to keep Tridacna clams healthy? <<Tis possible...but I would recommend either ALL daylight bulbs (6500K or 10000K...your choice), or; if you must have blue lighting, no more than 2 Actinic bulbs with 6 daylight bulbs.>> I know metal halide lights are best but with all the money I put into the lights I have right now, I'd rather not have to go get new lights. <<Keep the bulbs "fresh" and close to the water's surface, and go with T. derasa and/or T. maxima and they'll likely do fine.>> Second question, I currently have a brittle starfish in my tank and I have heard that they eat clams. Is this true? <<Not in my experience/estimation. I have always kept Brittlestars in conjunction with clams...I've never seen nor heard of a Brittlestar attacking a "healthy" Tridacna clam...any perceived predation was likely a result of the star "cleaning up" on an already doomed specimen.>> Thanks <<Regards, EricR>> Long Nose Butterfly 7/28/05 Hey guys, just checking in with a quick question I didn't see in the FAQ's. The common long nose butterfly: Forcipiger flavissimus, is it considered safe around Tridacna clams? Just another potential stocking scenario. I understand that they will eat frozen clam in small enough bites for them, but haven't been able to find any cases or experiences of whether they'll rip the pieces themselves off the live version. Thanks! <Personally, I wouldn't trust any butterflies with clams. Some people have gotten away with it but the percentage is low. James (Salty Dog)> Nick Clams and dwarf angels? II 11/29/04 Oh no...he's already in my display tank. I had to put him there because the QT tank had some weird water chemistry problem and keeps driving down the pH. <never ever forego QT my friend... its critical!> I moved 3 all fish to my display (royal Gramma, 6-line and eibli). I should have put the eibli in my sump but I didn't think of it then...shoot. <the sump is still not good/safe enough.... QT always and only without exception> I've been observing the eibli and most of the time he was nibbling on the rocks (plenty). Once in a while he will harass my clam but he pretty much leaves everything else alone, including the zoos. <sigh... wait for some months> There is one exception though, I see that he nibs on some of my SPS occasionally...particularly a orange Monti digitata and a Pocillopora. Is he able to do any damage to them? <in an aquarium with repetitive hits, they will die time> I realize the polyps on the Monti are too small and short but is much more longer on the other...How do I get him out now if I have to? <do research the archives for "trapping fish"... some great tips and tricks> I'm thinking of putting a larger flame angel in there to "tame" the eibli down. <OMG... please do not. This is a horrifyingly bad solution. Its not even really a viable solution> My bad that I assumed all Centropyge are pretty much the same as the flame, which in my experience is pretty reef safe...what do I do now since I don't wanna lose my SPS's?...Anthony, anybody, please help! <QT without exception... and know that you have been lucky re: the "safety" of Centropyge... they are risky long term. Anthony> Clams and dwarf angels... folks @ WWM, I need to find out how compatible are clams with an EIBLI angel. He is under quarantine now but I intend to put in together with the clam. I also love flame angels. I saw Anthony answering a similar question so I hope he can shed some light here. Thanks in advance... <Most Dwarf Angel species/individuals will leave Tridacnids alone, though they can nip them at times. Bob Fenner> Clam, tankmate, skimmer Y/N questions Hi Mr. Fenner, <Hello there Tammy!> First of all I wanted to say I read your book the Conscientious Marine Aquarist and I loved it. It is so informative for the new hobbyist which is what I am. <Glad you found it of use> My name is Tammy. I know you probably get tons of emails a day so if you are to busy I understand but if you have time would you please write back to me. I do plan on reading more about marine fish before I start my tank but I had some questions if you have time to answer. I did as you said and have thought of the fish and invertebrates I would love to have and would just like to know if they would work together. I definitely want to have a clam. I know you say to start with a fish only tank but that holds no interest for me. I have had freshwater fish for about 11 years. I got my first tank when I was ten and have always had fish. I want to do more and invertebrates just so captivate me that they seem like a good step. <You sound like you're more than ready!> I know clams are not very easy but you listed some for the beginner and that is what I plan to begin with. Now in your book you do not mention good tankmates for clams..........just bad. <Ahh, welcome to our site (WetWebMedia.com). Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/tridaccompfaqs.htm> So I would like to know if there are any good shrimp or crabs that would work with them. <Several smaller species, families of shrimps... not many crabs> Also my husband has to have some fish so I would like to know if Clown fish and Damsels would work well. <Yes> Through reading I would think they would but maybe I misunderstood some of the book or am just not remembering correctly. Lastly a co-worker (I work for a large pet store) told me that if I use a lot of live rock for a reef type set up that I would not have to have a skimmer. I don't believe that was he is saying is true because again from reading your book you seem to for sure recommend them but I just had to ask. <At some point, in well-balanced systems with LR, one can get by w/o a skimmer, but I WOULD definitely get/use one for the first several months... show your co-worker the gunk it takes out!> I know this is a lot of questions and I know some of them probably seem stupid and I should have the answers after reading your book but if you have time I would really love to hear back from you. Thank you so much for you time, Tammy <Nice to have made your acquaintance. Bob Fenner> Sixline wrasse to consume bristle worms hi, I know bristle worms attack clams, so I intend to put a 6-line wrasse in the tank to protect it. Will he try to feed off from the clam also? << No, six line wrasse are very clam safe. You may want to keep the clam off the bottom of your tank if you are worried about worms. >> << Blundell >> Upside down jellyfish 9/8/04 hello. <howdy> I have been planning on making a clam tank and have been designing it for over a month. then I saw an article talking about the upside down jelly fish. and I admit it, I want one. The tank it would go into will be shallow with a wide bottom, gentle current flow, and bright lights. the only problem is, according to the article, they secrete their stinging cells in their mucus, and it can kill other animals in the tank. <they really do best in a species tank. muddy lagoonal set up would be nice. Do consider some Thalassia sea grasses too for the biotope> my question is, are clams vulnerable to the stinging of the upside down jelly fish? <they would be a very unnatural combination and the clams might easily outcompete the jellies as filter feeders. Not recommended. Please do consider setting up a natural display> No dolphins were harmed in the making of this email. I did have to kill a few baby seals though. <Ahh... OK, Club Happy in Boise. Just Happy in Pgh - Anthony :)> Mixing Zoanthids with clams 5/10/04 Hello <howdy> I have had a 50 gallon clam tank for about 6 months before that I had a mixed reef for 2.5 years. My filtration includes a 50 gallon refugium, part one is Caulerpa and part 2 is xenia. <interesting> I want to introduce some zoos to the tank, but I am worried that the clams and zoos may not get along well. Is that true, will there be a chemical warfare in the tank? Thanks for your time, Zack Schwartz <no worries on mixing the clam with cnidarians like the Zoanthids. Tridacnids seem indifferent to most such neighbors. Your bigger risk by far is the noxious Caulerpa polluting the system if mismanaged. Do consider a more stable and better algae like Chaetomorpha or Gracilaria. Anthony> Clams and bad ol blenny!! 3/25/04 We just bought two 4 inch electric crocea clams. When I first put them in the tank they opened up and looked happy. Then my two lawnmower blennies started picking at them and they will not open. I tried several times to get the blennies out but there hiding in the rock. Crazy fish attack the clam and then sit there right in front of the glass on top of the clam just staring at me as to say nanny nanny booo you cant catch me. As soon as I get the net he flees under the rocks. I'll have to remove the rocks to catch him and this will disturb other critters. Can these blennies do harm to the clam? Do I need to remove the blennies what ever it takes? I avoided a lovely flame angel that I wanted badly but I knew it might pick at the clams so I choose a Naso tang :) <Many fish are risky with clams, including blennies, angels and butterflies. You will need to remove either the clam or the fish or else the fish will irritate the clam so much that it will not open and get the light it needs and it will die.> I didn't know I already had two nightmare fish. Also, how about emerald crabs and hermit crabs? They seem to eat things I don't want them eating. Is it best to have few or no emeralds if you have coral? How about the hermits they get on the clams and everything in the tank can they do damage ? <Personally, I consider ALL CRABS to be too destructive for reef tanks. They all have the potential to be quite destructive.> I also just got some more live rock it had one of those Aiptasia unwanted anemones on it. What's the best way to remove it? Thanks so much for your help :) <If you can get to the base, the best way is to simply scrape it off with a knife and remove it. If you can't get to the base, try injecting it with concentrated Kalkwasser paste. Best Regards. Adam> Clam, Anemone Tank You guys rock, <Thanks!> First off the website is awesome, I have learned so much, I recently pulled all of the coral and fish out of my 55 gal reef, and had planned on setting up a rose BTA tank with about five rose's in it (its really hard to find info on anemone only tank set ups), <Sounds good.> I have since thought about putting several clams in as well, will the anemones release too many toxins to keep clam in the tank? <Anemones will not have any chemical warfare with Tridacnid clams. Instead, I would be worried about physical warfare; make sure the anemones do not come in contact with the clams at any time.> the tank is about 20" tall with a 6" sand bed. and I run 2 175w MH 10000k about 6" from the surface is this enough light to keep the clams on the sand bed, <They'll do fine on the sandbed. However, keep in mind that some clams such as the T. crocea and T. maxima are rock boring clams and will attach their byssal gland to some surface. I would recommend putting them on top of an empty shell on the sandbed. When the clams attach to the shell, you may burry the shell giving the appearance that the clams are placed directly on the sandbed.> I have two 110w VHO that I could also put on. would this be to much light is there such a thing? <You're far from your limit -- you do not have too much light.> If so what VHO bulbs so I use (true actinic 50/50's etc.)?,and for the clams could i just put a piece of acrylic under the sand in the area I want them to be for their foot? If so how far under should it be buried? <That will also work well as using the empty clam shells. You may burry the clam about 1/2 into the sandbed. As an example, a clam 2" high (I'm not referring to the length of the clam, but instead the space between the foot and the mantel o the clam) would be buried around 1" in the sandbed. A clam 1" high would be buried about .5" in the sandbed. A clam 3" high would be buried around 1.5" in the sandbed. Of course, there are many exceptions and you do not have to burry the clams at all if you do not wish to. T. squamosa, T. derasa and T. gigas will do fine simply left on top of the sand.> Thanks <Take Care, Graham.> Will - Algae Blenny: Clam Nipper? - I was just about to buy rock (lawnmower?) blenny when I read that they nip at clam mantles. How true is this? <They occasionally do, most that I've encountered behave themselves. Make sure you supply lots of algae!> Also, will they be aggressive with a yellow headed Jawfish? <Should be fine, Good luck! -Kevin> DBL SADL BF and Maxima Clam? 6/4/03 Good Afternoon Guys! <howdy!> Thanks again for the passion and attention to this hobby!!! <our pleasure truly> I know Butterfly Fish are categorized as suspect with corals. <a wide range of invertebrates can be food/fodder in fact.. sponges, ascidians, mollusks, etc> I have a lovely Dbl Saddle. Can I put a Maxima Clam in our 55 gallon tank with him? <not recommended... more than a small risk> Is it a case of feeding the BF so he won't make a blue plate special out of our Maxima? <alas, no... even with 5 feedings daily, that still leaves many waking hours of natural grazing/foraging behavior> Thanks, C Evans <best regards, Anthony> A Clan For His Clams... Thank you for all your help in the past. <Our pleasure!> I have recently set up a 30 gal refugium tank in line with my 75 gal reef tank I set it up with a 6 inch deep live sand bed and 175 watt metal halide with 2 x 55 watt actinic pc lights. I plan to stock it with a few Tridacnid clams and soft corals. What fish tank mates would you recommend for this size of tank that won't decimate my sand bed in-fauna? I heard the six line wrasse and juvenile Coris are good for control of parasitic snails. I have also entertained thoughts of farm raised seahorses. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated. Sincerely, C.S. Blashko <Yep- I tend to favor small Fairy wrasses, cardinal fishes, and possibly some mid-water-swimming blennies, such as the Meiacanthus species. Also, you may want to look into a Pseudochromis, as most of them are colorful, remain small, and offer some of the same benefits as the Sixline wrasse. They also have the added good characteristic of not destroying your infauna! Lots of choices here! have fun perusing about on the wetwebmedia.com site for more research! Good luck! Regards, Scott F> Clams and Dwarf angels 3/14/03 I would like to know if my maxima clam can live with my lemon peel angel and flame angel can you give me a rate where 1 is the lowest & 10 is the highest on the safety of my clam and/or 2 angels. Thank you <I would rank the lemon peel as a 3/4 (rather risky) and the flame as a 7/8 (rather reef-safe). The lemon peel with other reef invertebrates like coral however is even more dangerous. Some behave, but most are nibblers. They are one of the first dwarf angels to rule out of a reef tank when considering the genus. Best regards, Anthony> Alas... Shrimps will nibble clams 3/14/03 Hello Bob et al, <cheers, mate> My Tridacnid is doing well but for one problem. It has decided that it likes its placement on my reef and has attempted (a couple times) to attach via its byssal thread/tissues. Unfortunately, my Lysmata amboinensis feel that this byssal production is a gift from the heavens and pulls it free to dine upon it!! I've placed small pieces of rubble around the clam's shell, enough to protect it, but not to impede on its ability to open and close at will, however, the shrimp excavate and harvest with little problem. Is this going to hurt the clam? <unfortunately... many/most shrimp will nibble and eat clams. It is well-documented in popular aquarium literature. A few behave, but most will nibble> Should I get rid of my efficient cleaner shrimp? <yes, indeed... with the clam in residence> Any advice is greatly appreciated. PS.. Bob, Anthony, Steven, Jason, David...heck.. all of you are wonderful. Thanks for all that you do for this community! David <thanks kindly for saying so :) Best regards! Anthony> Paper, clams, corals - 3/18/03 My question may sound simple but I am about to buy my first clam or two. <Good for you. Do as much research about their environmental conditions and needs for successful keeping> My question is can corals hurt the clam's mantel if placed too close? <Absolutely! If not from direct contact to the tentacle, then just by close proximity through chemical release of toxins. Definitely keep them away from corals at a minimum of a 3 inches or more minimum.> I have nice place picked out for one or two 2-4" clams but I also have a torch coral near by. <Definitely too close to this coral as the torch has the ability to sting quite severely as part of its procurement for food as well as an offensive and defensive strategy for territory. I just talked to Barry Neigut of ClamsDirect.com and he stated in his experience clams are very susceptible to chemical allelopathy and physical damage from sweeper tentacle nematocysts. "Keep a good amount of distance is the best policy"> If he grows well and so do the clams will it hurt the mantel if stung by the torch. <Absolutely! See previous note> Same goes for tube worms such as a feather duster. It is near some Xenia. Will it kill the feather duster? <Hmmm...... I would use a minimum of 3 inches if you can. Xenia can be very toxic. Congratulations on the new clams. Paulo> Thanks David Clam help Hi to all, I received an order today from FFE with a clam and a LPS coral. I currently run a reef aquarium with clams and a mix of soft and hard corals. All is fine including the new LPS coral. Although the new clam isn't so fine, after eight hours of being in my tank I noticed my Sally Lightfoot and a hermit crab <neither are categorically "reef safe" for the record. Many random problems reported with these and most all omnivorous crabs in the long run> are picking and eating at the little clam. It now is turning white towards the rear and not looking so well. These guys have never bothered the clams that have been in my tank and like I said the new LPS coral is looking great. What is wrong? Why are they doing this to the new clam? Are they being rude, or was there an underling problem I didn't know about and there just taking care of it? Please help. Thank you so much... <the clams sounds like it is stressed, weak or dying... perhaps shipped badly or simply was sent to you after recent (hours) import and has been traveling for many days, week or longer. Still... it is giving off the international signal for lunch. Keep it on the bottom (please tell me that you didn't start it high up... if so, read the acclimatization article on Wet Web Media at http://www.wetwebmedia.com/acclimcoralslight.htm) and perhaps put a mesh net or other guard over it to screen it from the omnivores while it stabilizes. Best regards, Anthony> Strange thing growing on clam shell Mr. Fenner and staff, <cheers, my friend> My Tridacna clam has something growing on its shell. I can see around 6 of them growing on various parts of the shell. I took a picture and have attached the file. Do you think I should pick them off with my fingers? <before you go molesting harmless reef invertebrates please re-send the picture. It did not come through> Is it okay for the clam to be out of the water while I do this? Please let me know ASAP if I should take it out. I want to do it before it hurts my poor clam. Thanks. Robert <clam shells are designed to attract (!) commensal and cryptic growth by design. It is extremely unlikely that the growth is harmful. Sponges, tunicates, etc are common... to be grazed at best (by the fishes... not you unless you are really hungry. Best regards, Anthony> Tridacna clam and stinging neighbors? Hello ! <cheers!> I have tried to find the answer to this matter in the literature, but failed so far. Are Tridacna clams sensitive to stings from other corals or anemones ? Ore are they immune to these stings ? <they are tolerant of many but not immune. In time, some Cnidarian stings seem to take a toll on the Tridacnid. It is good husbandry to not let any reef invertebrates touch each other and in many cases just being inches away is still a problem with noxious shed chemicals (nettles, nematocysts, etc)> Best regards - Magnus Petersson / Sweden <best regards, Anthony> Clams and snails Hi Bob, <on the Calfo train today... Anthony in your service. First stop... Mollusks> I am setting up a 125 gallon reef tank. I currently have nothing but 180 lbs of live rock. <an excellent start... a good skimmer too, right? Very important to get that thing working daily in the early stages.> it is starting to grow algae and diatoms. I want to get a cleanup crew of snails and crabs, etc. <OK... but do rely mostly on daily skimmate production, carbon and water changes to control most nutrients> however, I eventually want to have giant clams. I've been reading Knop's book on them and he recommends against having snails. <well... not all snails. He simply refers to the omnivorous or predatory nature of some common species. However, common Astraea Turbo snails are quite fine> this seems pretty extreme to me. how do you keep up with algae and detritus with no snails. <again... I can't emphasize it enough to friends... getting your skimmer to produce a full cup of dark skimmate every day can eradicate most nuisance algae even when severe. Invest in a good skimmer and make it work hard, my friend> thanks, john Kim <Best regards, Anthony> Re: Harlequin Tusk & Bird Wrasse in Reef? Hi Anthony, Thank you so much for advising me on those beauties. <always welcome, my friend> Well the HT and BW I saw in the shop is less than 7 inches long. <which sounds like "up to seven inches" to me...heehee. They typically come in large (5-6 inches) and sure don't stop growing from there> Are they OK with the tank? Latest I heard my clams could be in danger with these guys. Is it true? Don't want my expensive clams to die. <clams are portable and can be smashed against the rocks easily. Although not preferred fare... I cannot convey strongly enough how large wrasse species do not belong in a reef. You need a FOWLR tank for these bulls> ps. Was wondering how you guys run your service? I mean do you do it on voluntarily basis answering idiot question like mine or is it subsidized by something else. You guys are wonderfully incredible in assisting people out there with marine issues and I think we should do something back. <thanks kindly... all volunteer work. Bob started this great site out of his kindness and empathy for the industry and aquarists.. as it grows, he enlists the help of friends like us. Best regards to you and all, Anthony Calfo> Wise with Seahorses, invertebrates, Tridacnids Hey, <whassuuuup?> Thank you for the quick response on my questions about my proposed mini-reef setup. <quite welcome> I have decided against getting sea horses after being advised that it would be best for a seahorse to be kept in a tank which is at least 20 inches tall. <I am honestly delighted to hear that more seahorses will live longer <smile>> So I guess I will now be going with a fish or two, some corals and possibly a clam. Could you name some corals which would do well in my 110 watts of PC light (over a 20 gallon) and that could be kept by a beginner to keeping corals? Also, will any of the species of clams be ok or do you have a species that you would recommend? <with that much good light over a twenty gallon, you can keep more species seen in the trade than not. Stick with mostly soft corals (finger and crown/mushroom leathers) and Zoantharians (button polyps and mushroom anemones)... they're are hardy and colorful. Avoid stony corals as a beginner (LPS and SPS). The hardiest clams are Hippopus species, T. derasa and T. squamosa. Other blue clams will need bright light in shallow water> Thank You, Jonathan Pac <very welcome> Giant T. deresa clam Hi, <howdy do?> I was wondering if it would be safe to put a giant deresa clam in my 240 gallon system, with my show size emperor angel? Or will he start munching on the clam? < not recommended unless you have immediate recourse for the clam. I would suggest that you do not try it. Anthony Calfo> Linstun Clams Hi Bob, I read the e-mail from the person with the clam-swallowed clownfish with interest . . . and then it got me thinking. Would you consider your average giant claim to be a fish predator to worry about? <No... close very slowly compared to most livestock... and generally not "all the way"> Or would you classify this more as a low I.Q. / careless fish story -- the theory of natural selection at work, if you will. <Well put. Wish I had written thus. Bob Fenner> Dale. Clownfish swallowed by Clam Alright. I know. I should have gotten an anemone. <Mmm, really?> But I was busy setting up the 75 gal tank and ... Anyway, My Gold stripped Maroon clownfish thought that the clam was an anemone. I had noticed yesterday that he was really "chumming" up to the clam (more than normal). I got home last night and the damsel and all the other fish look disturbed (usual first sign that something is wrong). I then looked for the clownfish and lined up the usual suspects and interrogated them (well, really I just checked the crabs and the green brittle star [he's still smaller them all of the fish- but he is going in the refugium]). But there is not a body and the skimmer looks about normal. Ok - check the tank again, check every small hole. check again (and again). I still could not find Mr.. wiggles (er.. the clownfish). So I think the only place he could be is in the clam. I debate this for a half an hour and finally think that it just can't happen. This morning I wake up and feed the fish, when I see this maroon fin sticking out of the clam. (Oh yeah, that's what I want to see). Well there it is. The clam ate my clownfish. But no, wait. The fin is moving. The fin moved again. So I decided to rescue Mr. wiggles. I pried open the clam (it didn't take a lot of effort) and out comes Mr. wiggles (who will need at least ten years of therapy). In the process, I dislodged the clam from its shell on one side. I probed the clam and there was no reaction from it, so I found a place that would close the shell without using too much force. My question is: Is there any hope for the clam? |
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