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Tridacna Clams

There are few aquarium animals that are as beautiful, fascinating, challenging and just plain weird as clams of the genus Tridacna. These stunning mollusks have captivated aquarists since the dawn of reef aquaria. Yet, we’ve only fairly recently begun to enjoy widespread success with the group. This owes mainly to better specimens, improved husbandry techniques and the availability of quality live phytoplankton. Even in the short time that Tridacna clams have been kept in captivity, they have been subject to several taxonomic additions/revisions. At present, there are about ten species in two subgenera. Collectively, they are commonly known as giant clams; however, one species (which can reach lengths of over four feet) is known as THE giant clam (T. gigas). There is considerable debate within the aquarium community regarding these animals’ dietary requirements. For sure, tridacnids derive most of their food energy from the products of certain symbiotic algae (i.e. zooxanthellae). However, while it’s clear that they opportunistically filter-feed upon small plankton (especially phytoplankton), it’s unknown to what extent they depend on this food source if at all. Most authorities are convinced that (1) the animal does not need supplemental phyto feedings in captivity or that (2) its needs are typically well met by the relatively small amount of phyto that naturally grows in the system. One thing that is clear is that very young specimens rely upon planktonic foods much more so than adults. It is also widely agreed upon that very young specimens have a comparatively poor survivability in aquaria. While there may be a number of factors that contribute to this unfortunate trend, it is our observation and firm belief that supplemental feedings of phyto significantly increase survivability of captive juvenile tridacnids.In this section, you will learn about the natural history of Tridacna clams, the differences between each tridacnid species and their husbandry including plankton feeding techniques.

11 Posts

Frequently Asked Questions: Keeping Giant Clams

At AlgaeBarn, we are always happy to hear from our customers and we often are asked a lot of questions about husbandry. Sometimes, we
Read More about Frequently Asked Questions: Keeping Giant Clams

Are Giant Clams Reef Safe?

Giant clams are one of the most gorgeous and interesting creatures in our hobby! In this article, we will explain why Tridacnid clams
Read More about Are Giant Clams Reef Safe?

Maricultured Derasa Clams

The Fascinating Captive-Bred Giant Clam: How Breeding Programs Are Saving Natural Coral Reefs

As you may or may not know, World Oceans Month and World Reef Day are in June! And here at AlgaeBarn, we wanted to take this
Read More about The Fascinating Captive-Bred Giant Clam: How Breeding Programs Are Saving Natural Coral Reefs

How Tridacna Squamosa Captive Breeding Programs are Improving the Oceans of the Indo-Pacific and Great Barrier Reef Regions

In June, we will be focusing on how we can all help with ocean conservation efforts. Our discussions on preservation are inspired by
Read More about How Tridacna Squamosa Captive Breeding Programs are Improving the Oceans of the Indo-Pacific and Great Barrier Reef Regions

Keeping the Crocea Clam

Since coral reefs are (obviously) dominated by corals, it shouldn’t be all that surprising that reef aquaria are dominated by corals.
Read More about Keeping the Crocea Clam

Tridacna Clams are a beautiful addition to any marine tank!

Keeping the Derasa Clam

Just about any reef aquarist will, at some point, wish to keep tridacnid clams in their system. Their colors rival those of any coral.
Read More about Keeping the Derasa Clam

Squamosa Clams for the Intermediate Level Aquarist

For many aquarium hobbyists, acquiring and displaying a beautiful tridacnid clam is one of the most definitive milestones in their
Read More about Squamosa Clams for the Intermediate Level Aquarist

wild hippopus clams

Keeping Hippopus Clams

Particularly since the advent of clam farming, tridacnid clams (Family Tridacninae) have been steadily gaining both in popularity and
Read More about Keeping Hippopus Clams

A Beautiful Maxima Clam

3 Tips for Keeping Maxima Clams

For a couple of decades now, tridacnid or “giant” clams (genera Tridacna and Hippopus) have been regarded as the cherries on top of any
Read More about 3 Tips for Keeping Maxima Clams

Close up of a Derasa Clam Spout

Derasa Clam Care

The Derasa Clam (Tridacna derasa) is the second-largest clam of the Tridacna clams. It is also one of the easier clams to care for.
Read More about Derasa Clam Care

Various Tridacna Clams in the Wild

Keeping Clams in the Reef Tank

I remember getting about six months to a year into this hobby, thinking I knew everything about proper water parameters, lighting,
Read More about Keeping Clams in the Reef Tank

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