Green star polyps and maxima clam??

CurtnStac · Jan 31, 2019

Just a quick question...
Will green star polyps bother a maxima clam? The gsp isn't growing on the clam its just close to it?
I had my clam on the sandbed but my kole tang pestered it way to much to where the clam stopped opening up. I experimented by isolating the clam in a bowl attached to the glass and it opened right up and was happy again. So now I'm trying to find a good permanent spot. The only spot I can find is near a bunch of gsp.

DSC reef · Jan 31, 2019

The tang most likely is attracted to mucous from the mantle. As long as the GSP is kept in check and no direct contact or blanketing from the coral I don't think it will be a problem. Clams can be resistant to coral stings but they are not immune.

CurtnStac · Jan 31, 2019

DSC reef said:
The tang most likely is attracted to mucous from the mantle. As long as the GSP is kept in check and no direct contact or blanketing from the coral I don't think it will be a problem. Clams can be resistant to coral stings but they are not immune.

Thanks DSC! I'll keep an eye on the gsp and kill it back some if needed.

DSC reef · Jan 31, 2019

Your welcome. We had our large squamosa near GSP on the overflow and never noticed a reaction when it touched the mantle but just keep a close eye.

jda · Feb 1, 2019

I would not sweat the GSP either. There is a famous photo out there somewhere of a nice Tridacna with GSP covering both sides of the shell. Also agree that the bristletooth is just eating the mucus, but still no bueno if the clam will not stay open.

Edit: found it:
http://www.austinreefclub.com/topic/3189-tridacna-electric-crocea-clam-for-sale-blue/

CurtnStac · Feb 1, 2019

jda said:
I would not sweat the GSP either. There is a famous photo out there somewhere of a nice Tridacna with GSP covering both sides of the shell. Also agree that the bristletooth is just eating the mucus, but still no bueno if the clam will not stay open.

Edit: found it:
http://www.austinreefclub.com/topic/3189-tridacna-electric-crocea-clam-for-sale-blue/

That is pretty darn cool!
Anyone know how to deter the tang?

jda · Feb 1, 2019

I have no idea how to deter the tang. Any tank is a risk - they are not completely reef safe. If it does not get better soon, then it might have to go.

CurtnStac · Feb 3, 2019

DSC reef said:
The tang most likely is attracted to mucous from the mantle. As long as the GSP is kept in check and no direct contact or blanketing from the coral I don't think it will be a problem. Clams can be resistant to coral stings but they are not immune.

Hey DSC, question for you...
How long does it take for a maxima to acclimate to a new spot and fully extend?
Super quick back story... Has my clam for over 2 yrs on the sandbed of my shallow 80g under t5s. Kole tang started agitating it, clam stayed closed, so I isolated the clam to a bowl on the side glass. Clam opened again so I made a permanent spot in the middle of my gsp. This is day 2 and not extending to much. Just wondering how long I should give the clam before determining that spot is a no go.

DSC reef · Feb 3, 2019

I believe briareum can use allelopathy in defense so maybe it could be irritating the clam. I wouldn't wait to long, a couple more days max. Hopefully it's more of a light acclimation that is going on. Clams use more energy to stay closed so hopefully it will get happy in it's current spot.

CurtnStac · Feb 3, 2019

DSC reef said:
I believe briareum can use allelopathy in defense so maybe it could be irritating the clam. I wouldn't wait to long, a couple more days max. Hopefully it's more of a light acclimation that is going on. Clams use more energy to stay closed so hopefully it will get happy in it's current spot.

Thanks! I'll cut back that gsp tonight (if that's what ur talking about lol) and keep a close eye out.