Clam I.D. Help!

themadman · Jun 11, 2017

So I ordered what is supposed to be a Crocea clam from Live Aquaria. It's been in my tank over a week now. Got to looking at it and other pics of Crocea clams online and based upon its shell now I'm thinking this isn't even a Crocea? Reading online aren't they supposed to have a smoother shell? Thanks!

themadman · Jun 11, 2017

Now I'm reading that since it is aquacultured it may be normal for the shell not to be smooth and for it to retain its scutes due to the fact it hasn't worn them off burrowing into rock. So maybe it is a Crocea? Lol.

bsagea · Jun 14, 2017

Shells on croceas can be smooth or have the scutes. If it was cultured in an area where there was a good amount of flow, it will have the scutes. Calmer waters, smoother shell. Only way to be certain is to look at the byssal opening. Croceas have a very large opening, maximas some, and very small on the squamosas.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-07/jf/feature/

themadman · Jun 14, 2017

bsagea said:
Shells on croceas can be smooth or have the scutes. If it was cultured in an area where there was a good amount of flow, it will have the scutes. Calmer waters, smoother shell. Only way to be certain is to look at the byssal opening. Croceas have a very large opening, maximas some, and very small on the squamosas.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-07/jf/feature/

Thank you for the info and the link! I will read that!

bsagea · Jun 14, 2017

themadman said:
Thank you for the info and the link! I will read that!

You're welcome! His book is a great read. I have a passion and fascination for these creatures.
bsa

themadman · Jun 14, 2017

bsagea said:
You're welcome! His book is a great read. I have a passion and fascination for these creatures.
bsa

They are definitely beautiful creatures! I've always loved looking at them. This is my first one. It seems to be happy so far! I wish I would have looked at the bottom closer when I got it, now knowing what to look for. It is settled in now and I don't want to disturb it to look. But I'm sure I was sent the right one. They didn't have them in stock for a long time and I signed up for alerts specifically for Crocea. I pulled the trigger as soon as they got them in. It was just the lack of smooth shell that got me wondering. But the more digging and like your insight states, that is not always the case! I guess I will know for sure if it starts getting too big! Lol. Thanks again!