Clam feeding on snail eggs

[xjiang7]

I observed distinct feeding like behavior from my derasa clam while one of my snails is releasing eggs/sperms into the water column.
The exhalent siphon is elongated as never before when I dosed phytoplanktons.
I probably should try supplementary feeding wit oyster eggs?

 

[Phil D.]

No, clams don't eat solid food. The snail eggs are about the same size as phyto. If you want to feed it, use phyto.

 

[xjiang7]

No, clams don't eat solid food. The snail eggs are about the same size as phyto. If you want to feed it, use phyto.

Thanks for the info about the size. I set up this lagoon tank with macro algae and two fish with clams. I have to dose nitrate and phosphate as they constantly drop to zero. I know that clams don’t require feeding but I think feeding won’t hurt if done right

 

[Phil D.]

Welcome! I have 2 Maximas and they are growing like weeds.

 

[xjiang7]

Welcome! I have 2 Maximas and they are growing like weeds.

They look great!

 

[Phil D.]

My Blue Maxima, I found it 5 years ago at a Petco store on sale for $20!! They had him in deplorable conditions, so I rescued him from an ignomius death.

 

[xjiang7]

My Blue Maxima, I found it 5 years ago at a Petco store on sale for $20!! They had him in deplorable conditions, so I rescued him from an ignomius death.

I never have long term success with Maxima. I had one that had been growing pretty well until I got a pyramid snail infestation, last thanksgiving I upgraded my tank and rebooted the old one and transferred my remaining clams after carefully brushing them. This derasa has finally started growing after half a year in my old tank

 

[Phil D.]

Be Sure to keep your Ca around 460-480 and Alk 11, that will help them grow.

 

[xjiang7]

Be Sure to keep your Ca around 460-480 and Alk 11, that will help them grow.

Noted lol

 

[hart24601]

Clams often have a reaction to material in the water, many people see this reaction and assume it is feeding behavior, but often times it is related to the clam being irritated. Clam feeding is further complicated as even it the material is consumed, it's not always digested.

According to James giant clam book, the most rapid growth in clams farms is obtained by the addition of urea which is supported by the article. So simply having a good stock of fish and feeding them regularly seems to be the best way to feed clams. We often hear fish poop is the best coral food, a statement that I don't quite agree with, but for clams fish pee really does seem to the best!

Urea-absorbing ability of giant clams

NUS biologists have discovered that the fluted giant clam absorbs urea from its surroundings and the absorption rate is enhanced by exposure to light.

phys.org

 

[xjiang7]

Clams often have a reaction to material in the water, many people see this reaction and assume it is feeding behavior, but often times it is related to the clam being irritated. Clam feeding is further complicated as even it the material is consumed, it's not always digested.

According to James giant clam book, the most rapid growth in clams farms is obtained by the addition of urea which is supported by the article. So simply having a good stock of fish and feeding them regularly seems to be the best way to feed clams. We often hear fish poop is the best coral food, a statement that I don't quite agree with, but for clams fish pee really does seem to the best!

Urea-absorbing ability of giant clams

NUS biologists have discovered that the fluted giant clam absorbs urea from its surroundings and the absorption rate is enhanced by exposure to light.

phys.org

It’s a good article, thanks for sharing