Clams attached at the foot

[pirate2876]

I ended up putting two clams too close to each other, so they attached to each other. Now both clams are laying down because they are attached at the hinge of both.

Whats the best to get them detached? I really don't want to harm their feet.

 

[Tahoe61]

You're going to have to very carefully cut the byssal threads with a razor blade, being careful not to cut or damage the foot. I would remove the clams into a container with display water and carefully cut the clams apart.

 

[pirate2876]

You're going to have to very carefully cut the byssal threads with a razor blade, being careful not to cut or damage the foot. I would remove the clams into a container with display water and carefully cut the clams apart.

Ugh, that is what I was afraid of...I have had 0% success with that in the past.

 

[TarHeelReefer22]

You're going to have to very carefully cut the byssal threads with a razor blade, being careful not to cut or damage the foot. I would remove the clams into a container with display water and carefully cut the clams apart.

Unfortunately this is the only way I am aware of either...sucks on your success rate. You just have to make sure you aren't cutting the foot usually if this gets damaged you can kiss your clam goodbye. Make sure you know the clam anatomically and know what the byssal threads look like before you start cutting. The only other thing I could see happening is if they are larger max clams they will move towards a more favored area in the tank and I have witnessed mine doing it literally walking across my sand bed you might be able to put them in a lower light area for a day or two and see if they detach themselves and move apart...hopefully towards light. Good luck

 

[pirate2876]

The only other thing I could see happening is if they are larger max clams they will move towards a more favored area in the tank and I have witnessed mine doing it literally walking across my sand bed you might be able to put them in a lower light area for a day or two and see if they detach themselves and move apart...hopefully towards light. Good luck

I am going to try this before I cut the threads.Thanks for the advice!

 

[Mike J.]

Are they opening and closing? If so, that means they're not happy where they are and most likely will separate on their own. If they're opening and enjoying themselves you'll have to cut the byssal threads. I watched a clam once discard it's byssal threads and a minute later extend another set of byssal threads. I took advantage of that and put it in a cupped shaped rock where it has been for a couple years now, happy as a clam.

 

[pirate2876]

Pic for reference. You notice they are very close together, which gets worse once they get touched.