New Clam Owner: is my Maxima looking Okay?

[roberthu526]

First time clam owner here. I have been in the Bobby for about three years and this is the first time I try a clam. I bought from Liveaquaria and it is an ORA Maxima. It is about two inches and seems to be very reactive. Every time there is a change in light it shrinks back really quickly. There also seem to be white growth beneath the mantel. However, I don’t see any foot from it but since I am a first time owner I am not sure if this is a bad thing or good thing. I read that correctly collected clams should have a clean foot and if the foot is broken it is a very bad sign. So I took a pic before I put it in my tank. Can you take a look and let me know if the foot looks good? Thank you in advance!

 

[roberthu526]

In the tank

 

[P-Dub]

The lack of any foot is the most concerning. I would place it in a location where the clam is cradled, so to speak, better. It needs to feel secure in its location to open up more. High light, moderate flow and a nice cozy depression in the rock. Rapid reaction to shadows and fish is normal. Without a foot though, I'm concerned

 

[roberthu526]

The lack of any foot is the most concerning. I would place it in a location where the clam is cradled, so to speak, better. It needs to feel secure in its location to open up more. High light, moderate flow and a nice cozy depression in the rock. Rapid reaction to shadows and fish is normal. Without a foot though, I'm concerned

Thank you! That’s what I am worried about to. I just see a hole with no foot whatsoever. Very clean shell around the hole. Guess we will see how it goes.
Thank you again for the quick reply!

 

[hart24601]

Realistically the clam was just retracted when you took the picture. ORA clams are farmed, so I wouldn't be too concerned about the foot issue since they are not ripped from the wild.

Not to say the clam might not have other issues of course and might not be healthy. Only way to tell is time, but I wouldn't worry about the foot.

 

[hart24601]

Is that a green goni in the background? Very cool!

 

[roberthu526]

Realistically the clam was just retracted when you took the picture. ORA clams are farmed, so I wouldn't be too concerned about the foot issue since they are not ripped from the wild.

Not to say the clam might not have other issues of course and might not be healthy. Only way to tell is time, but I wouldn't worry about the foot.

Thank you! Yes time will tell. Hopefully it attaches to the rock soon!

 

[roberthu526]

Is that a green goni in the background? Very cool!

Yeah that is a green Goni I have had for s few months. Polyp extension is awesome on that guy and it seems that it likes a lot of flow.

 

[P-Dub]

Can you take a shot of the foot in better, white light? From the shot that you have, it looks as though there is zero foot tissue. In other words, the gland that produces the byssal threads appears gone. That IS concerning, at least to me.

 

[roberthu526]

Can you take a shot of the foot in better, white light? From the shot that you have, it looks as though there is zero foot tissue. In other words, the gland that produces the byssal threads appears gone. That IS concerning, at least to me.

I would but I already put the clam into the tank. I don’t want to move it too much. At this point it is what it is. I think it is better to let it settle in. Thank you for offering help though!

 

[GoPitt88]

Keep us updated. I just got a Squamosa clam from them about 5 weeks ago, and he's still doing good. Hope yours does well too!

 

[DSC reef]

The clam looks ok in the pic but time will tell. I would not worry about the "foot", the gland is retracted and will produce more byssal threads. Give it time to adjust.

 

[roberthu526]

Keep us updated. I just got a Squamosa clam from them about 5 weeks ago, and he's still doing good. Hope yours does well too!

I will. The clam seems quite active so far. Fingers crossed.

 

[B0brobert]

How long did you purchase your clam?

 

[roberthu526]

How long did you purchase your clam?

I just received him yesterday.

 

[DSC reef]

How the clam looking today?

 

[roberthu526]

How the clam looking today?

I want to say it is still very active. A snail knocked it down on its side so I put it back in place and it is opening up nicely.
Here is a pic today. I used filter but it is still very blue. The mantel is not that blue. More light brown than blue I think.

 

[roberthu526]

Here is a better one I just took

 

[B0brobert]

I want to say it is still very active. A snail knocked it down on its side so I put it back in place and it is opening up nicely.
Here is a pic today. I used filter but it is still very blue. The mantel is not that blue. More light brown than blue I think.

looks much better. The mantel is reacting. That's a good sign.

 

[roberthu526]

looks much better. The mantel is reacting. That's a good sign.

Thank you! Fingers crossed for this little guy!