Description
Hippopus Clam (Hippopus hippopus)
The hippopus clam is a lesser-known tridacnid clam in the reef aquarium hobby. Relying upon two sources of nourishment, it filter feeds upon phytoplankton through its gills (like many other bivalve mollusks) and also receives leached food sources from endosymbiotic algae. Because the latter resource provides the bulk of the animal’s sustenance, very bright light is essential. Its mantle is very attractive, exhibiting many bright squiggly lines and a golden-brown background. Unlike its cousins, the mantle does not extend far beyond the shell. Also, its inhalant siphon lacks fringed tentacles.
These sustainably farmed specimens are available as Yellow and Green. See below for more information.
Size and Care Requirements
- Purchase Size: Approximately 2″+ 0.5″ (length)
- Max Size: 16″ (7.9″).
- Water Parameters: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.2-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025.
- Color: Bright yellow lines over a golden brown or greenish (mantle).
- Reef-Safe: Yes.
- Diet: Omnivore. Consumes substances released from its symbiont as well as phytoplankton. Thus, it requires intense lighting and benefits greatly from the regular addition of live phytoplankton.
Hippopus Clam Species Information
This species occurs from the eastern Indian Ocean across the Pacific Ocean to Japan and western Australia. It occurs mainly over seagrass meadows or sandy to gravely reef flats. Particularly as adults, hippopus clams do not attach to the substrate as firmly as do their tridacnid brethren.
This unusual clam is totally reef-safe. It cannot be safely kept with certain predatory fishes such as triggerfish, puffers, certain wrasses, etc. A sustainable alternative to wild-caught hippopus clams, these aquacultured specimens have a comparatively higher survivability.
Benefits of Captive Bred Clams
Captive-bred hippopus clams provide a huge advantage over wild-caught specimens. Because they are cultured under captive conditions, they are better adapted to living in an aquarium and tend to be more disease resistant. They are also better able to handle shipping stress. By purchasing captive-bred organisms, you are supporting the aquaculture of marine organisms and helping make our hobby sustainable!
AlgaeBarn keeps these hippopus clams in an invertebrate-specific system to minimize the transfer of fish parasites and other unwanted hitchhikers.
100% Alive on Arrival (AoA) Guarantee
We guarantee that every hippopus clam we sell will be Alive On Arrival and in good health. Should any arrive in any other state, we will either replace them free of charge (including shipping). If the total livestock loss is less than $40, we will issue store credit. For more information, please also visit our 100% Alive On Arrival Guarantee page.
