Description
Squamosa Clam (Tridacna squamosa)
The squamosa clam is quite popular in the hobby for its attractive mantle patterning and highly fluted shell. It is considered to be overall the easiest of the tridacnid clams to maintain in captivity. This animal relies on two, totally different, sources of nourishment. Like many other bivalve mollusks, it filter-feeds on phytoplankton through its gills. However, the majority of its daily nourishment comes from a symbiotic algae. At around 40 cm (16 in) in adult width, T. squamosa is a midsized example of the so-called giant clams.
These high-grade, sustainably farmed specimens are undamaged and free of parasites. See below for more information.
Size and Care Requirements
- Purchase Size: Approximately 2″+ 0.5″ (length)
- Max Size: 20 cm (7.9″)
- Water Parameters: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.2-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
- Color: Typically brownish purples with blue and white spots and/or scribbles (mantle)
- Reef-Safe: Yes
- Diet: Omnivore. In addition to consuming products released from its symbiont, this species is a phytoplanktivore. Thus, it benefits greatly from regular feedings of live phytoplankton.
Squamosa Clam Species Information
The squamosa clam (Tridacna squamosa) occurs in the Marshall Islands, East Africa and the Red Sea. Whether living on reef rock, over sand or nestled between corals, T. squamosa prefers strongly sunlit habitats. It’s dependence on light comes from its dependence on an endosymbiotic dinoflagellate. This photosynthetic algae needs intense, full-spectrum light to survive.
The squamosa clam is completely reef-safe. Both beautiful and majestic, Tridacna squamosa is the perfect choice for first-time tridacnid clam keepers. It cannot be safely kept with certain predatory fishes such as triggerfish, puffers, certain wrasses, etc. A sustainable alternative to wild-caught squamosa clams, these aquacultured specimens have a significantly higher survivability.
Benefits of Aquacultured Marine Livestock
Captive-bred squamosa clams provide a huge advantage over wild-caught specimens. Because they are cultured under captive conditions, they are better adapted to aquarium life and tend to be more disease resistant. They are also better able to tolerate shipping stress. By purchasing captive-bred organisms, you are supporting the aquaculture of marine organisms and helping make our hobby sustainable!
AlgaeBarn keeps these squamosa 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 squamosa 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.
