Maxima Question

[cooltowncorals]

When should I be concerned about an open mouth on a clam? I got this maxima a month ago and his mouth is gaping I am in the 250-300 par range. His mouth varies in width a bit sometime bigger sometimes smaller but I can always see his organs on the inside.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Dont they open their mouth to filter out water and feed? Not 100% familiar with clams so following along for others responses

 

[DSC reef]

That's the incurrent siphon. When it's open it's taking in water and is often confused with the term gaping. Gaping of a clam is when the shell is wide open with very little reflex to close and the mantle sucking into the shell. An open incurrent siphon is nothing to worry about and a new clam can have an exaggerated incurrent siphon during acclimation. Clams are filter feeders as well so you'll see variations as far as opening and closing of the incurrent siphon.

 

[cooltowncorals]

Ok they close with any light change so that sounds good thanks!

 

[jda]

That is not gaping. Gaping is when they are so far open that they look like they are going to tear themselves in half... and do not really want to retract. Little maxes are hard.

 

[Shigshwa]

Gaping is definitely more like an O shape than an open slit. If that's a shot from when your lights are starting to dim, then it's normal, clams seem to open their mouths and start filter feeding right when the lights start to go out.

 

[Shigshwa]

Here, check out my big Derasa. When lights start to go out, it opens, and the exhalent siphon extends. That's a healthy clam.

 

[B0brobert]

Clam gaping (image find on the net)

 

[DSC reef]

IMO this is gaping. A wide open mouth with mantle extension is a sign of acclimation from previous clams we have raised.

 

[cooltowncorals]

Awesome hopefully he’s just getting used to the tank then I would hate to lose him.

 

[Drewbacca]

Is my clam ok? Thoughts? Suggestions?

 

[DSC reef]

.

 

[Drewbacca]

Anything i can do? Should i feed him directly? I always make sure particulates flow towards it, numbers are all really good..but since they are filter feeders my phosphates are super low to 0.00 sometimes despite 2 cubes frozen food a day in the water and sometimes a little phyto, but nothing directly. I saw some things about tying it mostly shut but they were disputed. It is in the center overlap of 2 kessil 360s set at 60 percent at the bottom of a 90gal. Too much light..too little? Seemed fine for first month.

 

[DSC reef]

.

 

[Drewbacca]

Good, i havent done either. Maybe I'll move it more directly under a light..I thought the crossover section in the middle might have more par. Thanks!

 

[Loggerhead]

Maximas like rocks over sand bed too. Google clam hammock. It will attach to one like a rock and it may help.

 

[Drewbacca]

It's been on a clam hammock for weeks, doesnt try to move much but isn't attaching.
Its been on its side a few times lately, and I'm not sure if it's doing it itself, or if my spaz of a blue hippo tang is, so I just propped it back up each time.
Thanks!