Natural Habitat

Indo-Pacific

Tank Temperature

75-82°F

pH

8.0-8.4

Specific Gravity

1.022-1.026

Tank Requirements

Requires very low nitrates, pristine water quality.

Feeding

Photosynthetic, filter-feeder; regular feedings of phytoplankton and zooplankton and high direct lighting.

Behavior

Widespread across Indo-Pacific region, highly variable in color. Should be placed on a hard surface like rockwork.

Compatibility

Reef and Invert Safe. Should not be kept with fish or invertebrates that will pick at their sensitive mantle.

Species Overview

Clams are wonderful additions to any reef aquaria but do have some requirements that make them more difficult than other inverts to keep. Some research is recommended before purchasing one to find out what species will work the best in your reef aquarium.

Maxima Clams (Tridacna maxima) are probably the most widespread species of Tridacna clams, ranging across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to east Indonesia. They are most prized for their brilliant colors and cultured specimens are becoming more available in recent years. Although they can grow much larger, Maxima Clams are very similar in appearance, color and shape to some Crocea Clams, especially in blue and purple individuals and in smaller sizes.

The Maxima Clam can be found in a variety of colors from blues and purples to black, white, orange and greens. The mantle is often spotted, but the patterns is as variable as the color . "Striped" and "Teardrop" varieties tend to be the most common in the aquarium trade. The shell of Maxima Clams may be slightly yellow or orange tinted when clean or around the inner rim. Maxima Clams may create indentations in rockwork. Maxima's are not usually completed burrowed however; the shell is usually about 1/2 to 1/3 exposed from their burrow.

The hinge of the Maxima Clam is typically about 1/3 as long as the entire shell and the shell itself is very elongated compared to its height. Since Maxima's usually only partially burrow into rocks, the lower part of the shell may be smooth while the upper part may still have its scutes.

The "byssal opening" where the foot and byssal threads are extended from on the bottom of the clam is moderately large.

Maxima's are moderate difficult when compared to other Tridacna clams. In the aquarium, place high in the tank under direct light. Smaller clams with smaller mantles rely heavily on planktonic foods filtered from the water for their nutrition. They should be fed regularly with various types of planktonic foods like phytoplankton, zooplankton, oyster eggs, rotifers and similar items. Avoid keeping with potential predators or tankmates that may nip at the clam's mantle.

We always suggest that you do further research before adding a new pet to your tank. What we have provided for you are guidelines and suggestions. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact our fish room at 717-299-5691 ext. 1213 or marinebio@thatpetplace.com.

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