Is this a former clam?

[mikeadams84]

I just got home from work and as I was feeding the fish and doin my walk around just to check on everything, like I do every hour when I'm at home, I came across this. I know it fell off my live rock but was wondering if maybe something came out of it and I now have something new in the tank or if maybe it's just an old clam. I don't want to move it til I know it's ok and something isn't gonna try to go back to it for protection when "nighttime" gets here. Thanks for any help in advance.

 

[CoralHut]

There's often "burrowing" clams that live in the live rock. They usually die in transit and occasionally the shell remnants will dislodge from the rock. Sometimes you get lucky and they survive.

 

[mikeadams84]

So I'm guessing that I can remove it. There's a bunch on clam looking things on the live rock, some actually look like they're opening and closing, and some just never change. The ones that are opening and closing could they still be alive possibly? What are signs that I could look for? I've seen a lot of people say that clams are really hard to keep, is that true? Sorry for all the questions I've only been in the saltwater for about 4 months now. And luckily so far so good, only lost 1 fish but I really don't think it was good from the get go.

 

[Velodog2]

Lol. Yes, an ex-clam.

 

[mikeadams84]

So on my other questions.

 

[CoralHut]

Mostly the opening closing will be signs of life. Clams filter water and they open close during that time. I have had many burrowing clams survive in tanks and sometimes you never knew they existed until the rock was broken. I would just let them do their thing and if they survive, good, if not, nothing ventured nothing lost. Great addition to the biodiversity of the aquarium.

 

[zach_discus]

Yep burrowing clam. My last reef I had about 50lbs of Florida Aquacultured liverock and I found 18 total. Neet animal and as stated add diversity to your tank.

 

[phillrodrigo]

I have some. They have been with me for 2 years. I think I still have a few alive still anyways.

 

[saltyphish]

Same here. Sometimes I find empty shells like your lying on the the sand.

 

[Coralsdaily]

looks like a former mussel