Moved a maxima clam.

Auquanut · Jan 26, 2019

I have a maxima clam and a durasa clam in my 125 gallon tank. they were positioned right next to each other in the rockwork. I didn't put them there. I got them months apart, and my hippo tang just has to mess with anything new (actually picked it up and moved it around until it got bored with it). Long story short in each case they wound up where the tang left them and attached before I could do anything about it. I noticed today that the maxima wasn't attached. Decided to move it. It's too big for the tang to pick up like it did before, but he won't leave the clam alone long enough for it to attach to anything. I put it back in it's original spot, but I'm afraid it's even tighter than before. Both clams are very healthy and growing well. Wish I had some before pictures. So any advice on what to do? Will the clam reattach if it is left alone long enough? I don't really want to leave it where it is.

I'm about ready to have a fish dinner!

DSC reef · Jan 26, 2019

The maxima should reattach. The blue tang can literally pester the clams to death though. We rehomed a blue because she did the same and liked the mucous from the mantle. Those are nice clams, the fish would have to go.

Auquanut · Jan 26, 2019

The tang will leave it alone after a day or so if it can stay in one spot long enough. She does this with anything new that goes in the tank. If it's not firmly attached, it's a dodge ball.

DSC reef · Jan 26, 2019

Yeah, ours did the same. She was pretty strong too, frags that were glued would get ripped off. Pestering of the clams made me nervous though.

Auquanut · Jan 26, 2019

I have grand kids. So I could get rid of Dori or rip off my own left arm. Either one would be just as painful. But seriously, Ive never lost anything to her antics. She loses interest quickly. I'd just like to be able to relocate the clam where it and I would be happier.

DSC reef · Jan 26, 2019

Maybe pick a new spot and just see how it goes and hopefully she loses interest. I was worried our tang would damage the clams foot since the crocea had byssal threads attached and due to how strong she was. I hope it works out, they are both beautiful animals in a reef tank.

Auquanut · Jan 26, 2019

There are a couple of (protected) spots in the sub strait where the rock work might keep it from being moved and it should get enough light and flow. I've read that maxima's need to attach to rock, but I've also read that they're ok in the sand. Should I try it?

theatrus · Jan 26, 2019

Note the derasa doesn’t have byssal threads as it matures and is commonly at home in the sand bed.

Auquanut · Jan 26, 2019

It's still attached. I'm hoping it will let go soon. I have a large area of sand reserved for it. I know it will get very big. It's already about 5 inches, so I'm assuming it will let go soon. Not comfortable with cutting him off.

theatrus · Jan 26, 2019

Auquanut said:
It's still attached. I'm hoping it will let go soon. I have a large area of sand reserved for it. I know it will get very big. It's already about 5 inches, so I'm assuming it will let go soon. Not comfortable with cutting him off.

Yeah, let it be. As it grows it will detach. Mine is up to about 14” now, but that took about 12 years