Maxima Clam - Expelled Foot/Byssal Threads?!?

[ElGuapo]

I posted on the main clam thread a few days ago but figured I'd start a new thread since there's been some new developments. Old post: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/g...got-you-covered-right-here.30005/post-7693506

So I've had this clam for about 5-6 months now and things have been going well. Been on the sand bed since day one and a couple weeks ago it tipped over. That weekend I went to set it upright and it had already attached to the rocks behind it. After some research, I decided not to mess with it. Two days ago I woke up to find it covered in some sand, mostly on it's shell but a bit on one corner of it's mantle. Before I got a chance to blow the sand off, it took care of it himself other than some sand left on it's shell. The following day (yesterday) I noticed a white spongy/stringy mass behind it. Figured it was it's foot, and after some more research I learned about byssal threads. My starfish was having a go at them all night, and this morning it finally detached completely, and the clam managed to move itself a couple inches further away from the rock it was previously attached to.

Good news is that it's no longer attached to the rock, and can now try and place it upright on top of the clam cradle I bought. However, I have no idea how to deal with this foot/byssal thread expulsion. I've read some say it's normal, not a big deal at all. And others say it's a bad sign. Not sure if it was because it was on it's side and not happy, along with a combination of the sand stressing it out. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I'd like to do anything possible to help the little guy out if I can, thanks.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Ouch - May be in distress. They are NOT fans of high current and with sand all over it may indicated too much flow.

 

[ElGuapo]

It has been in the same spot, give or take a couple inches, since I first got it almost 6 months ago. It's been on it's side for about 2 weeks. 99% sure the sand wasn't from too much flow since I haven't moved my powerheads. Most likely a critter combined with him trying to move himself, but I'll double check the powerheads. Thanks for the input

 

[Picasso Clown]

I’d say put it on the clam cradle, make sure it’s completely upright, stable, has good light exposure, and is kept mostly out of the current. A feeding in a few day would probably be beneficial. Make sure nothing is bothering it and hopefully it’ll bounce right back

 

[ElGuapo]

Thanks. Do you just rest it on the cradle and let it do it's thing? Or should I try to prop it up next to a rock so it doesn't tip over easily?

 

[Picasso Clown]

Thanks. Do you just rest it on the cradle and let it do it's thing? Or should I try to prop it up next to a rock so it doesn't tip over easily?

The cradle is made, to well, cradle it. Leave it in the cradle. Mine attached the first night I had it in the tank after we were forced to rip the byssal threads at the store (it had attached to a barebottom tank) put it in the cradle, maybe pack some pebbles or sand around it if the cradle is a little big to keep it stable until it attaches, but make sure it’s still able to fully open itself. Here’s my pretty boy

 

[ElGuapo]

Thanks for the tips. I'll give it a go in a few minutes

 

[Picasso Clown]

Post a pic of it once you get it on the cradle. Close ups then one kinda showing orientation in the tank is good. Make sure that star can’t mess with it anymore.

 

[xjiang7]

It’s not foot but byssal threads. That being said, something is likely upsetting the clam to make it detaching itself. Actions need to be taken before it’s too late

 

[ElGuapo]

Post a pic of it once you get it on the cradle. Close ups then one kinda showing orientation in the tank is good. Make sure that star can’t mess with it anymore.

So far so good. Dug the cradle in the sand a bit and placed some sand in the cradle as well. Same spot he's been in for months so hopefully he takes to the cradle and stays put. Thanks again for the help.

 

[G Santana]

Hope all goes well, it is beautiful!!!

 

[Picasso Clown]

It’s really stunning! Looks great today, I think he’ll recover just fine

 

[homer1475]

Keep in mind, they like any flow they do receive to be through the opening, and out the vent.

My clam moved so it's in that orientation. Everytime I moved it, it would move back(never attached to a cradle). I eventually left it in that orientation, and it's stayed put, and attached to the cradle. Unfortunately for me, that orientation is sideways to my front glass. lol

 

[ElGuapo]

Keep in mind, they like any flow they do receive to be through the opening, and out the vent.

My clam moved so it's in that orientation. Everytime I moved it, it would move back(never attached to a cradle). I eventually left it in that orientation, and it's stayed put, and attached to the cradle. Unfortunately for me, that orientation is sideways to my front glass. lol

Good call. The flow in my tank runs counterclockwise, and by chance I placed his intake opening on the receiving end. Feel obsessive today checking him out every few minutes, but all seems well so far. Only thing I've noticed is his intake siphon seems to be open a bit wider than usual. Read that's normal when a clam is acclimating. Considering he's been in the tank for ~6 months I wouldn't say he's acclimating, although after all the stress and repositioning, it could also be acclimating to his "new" spot. Now worried it's beginning stages of gaping, but I guess only time will tell

 

[Chee-tomorpha]

How is your maxima clam?

I got a little guy about 1"-1.5". When I received it the bottom opening had nothing in it. Is it supposed to have byssal threads or is that something it develops later? Sorry, I didn't take picture of it and don't want to disturb the clam again.

I had placed the little guy on a rock and a nassarius snail immediately swarmed it and tipped it over. I put a little glue to the side of one shell ensuring not to cover the bottom hole and attached it to the rock. It has opened since then and seems healthy.

Any advice on the bottom hole or health of my new addition?

 

[minus9]

How is your maxima clam?

I got a little guy about 1"-1.5". When I received it the bottom opening had nothing in it. Is it supposed to have byssal threads or is that something it develops later? Sorry, I didn't take picture of it and don't want to disturb the clam again.

I had placed the little guy on a rock and a nassarius snail immediately swarmed it and tipped it over. I put a little glue to the side of one shell ensuring not to cover the bottom hole and attached it to the rock. It has opened since then and seems healthy.

Any advice on the bottom hole or health of my new addition?

I would place it higher up on the rock work where it will be exposed to higher light. They do shed the bissal threads sometimes, so it’s not a death sentence. I also wouldn’t glue the shell to anything, as you want the clam to have full range of the shell opening and closing.

 

[Chee-tomorpha]

So I had removed the small amount of glue over a day ago and I came home today to the clam like this. Except it had what looked like a huge tongue sticking out the whole at the bottom. I just couldn't get a pic of it.

Do clams move around? The byssel threads seem to have been released.

Should I leave it be or put it back on a rock?

 

[Chee-tomorpha]

Here's the tongue thing I was saying.

It's definitely part of the clam as the tissue is connected to the lower part of the fleshy mantle.

 

[Chee-tomorpha]

I am watching something I've never seen before happening and don't know what to do or what it is!

Is the tongue thing the clams foot? If so, can the clam upright itself? Or should I intervene?

 

[minus9]

Here's the tongue thing I was saying.

It's definitely part of the clam as the tissue is connected to the lower part of the fleshy mantle.

That’s the byssal organ trying to attach to a solid surface. If it’s free, (not attached) then you can help it out and put it on a solid surface/rock.