Species Name: Tridacna squamosa
Native From: Indo-Pacific
Squamosa clams are one of the easier clams to take care of and keep in an aquarium. You can check one out in person at our store, we have a really nice one in our 54 gallon reef display tank!
This particular clam can grow up to 16 inches long. The smallest aquarium a squamosa clam can be in is a 75 gallon tank. The water temperature that these animals thrive at is between 75-82 degrees. Squamosa clams make good community members. Particular fish may pick on their soft tissue. Stinging anemones and aggressive corals should be kept away from these clams.
In order for squamosa clams to thrive they need a very bright light. For example, ours thrives under a 250watt MH bulb. Squamosa clams have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae (algae). This particular alagae lives on the mantel of the clam. The algae goes through photosynthesis which then provides energy for the clam. The clams will also eat nitrogenous waste from the water. Small clams under 2 inches need supplemental feeding of phytoplankton and dissolved nutrients in order to grow.
Clams take calcium from the water. It is necessary to keep the calcium level close to natural sea water. This can be accomplished with frequent water changes and by adding supplements. In the store, we use various supplements including "purple up" that allows the clam to utilize the calcium to build its shell.
If you have any questions, would like one for your tank...or just want to see one....pop in today. Thanks for reading and see you soon at Appalachian Tails!