New Live Aquaria Clam

SauceyReef · Apr 2, 2021

Is this big hole in the mantle normal? I can even see the inside of the squamosa.

dedragon · Apr 2, 2021

yes that is fine it is still acclimating, that is the intake siphon the other hole expels the water, perfectly normal, ive never had asterina starfish eat coral but best to get everything off anyway, good job being thorough and careful

SauceyReef · Apr 2, 2021

dedragon said:
yes that is fine it is still acclimating, that is the intake siphon the other hole expels the water, perfectly normal, ive never had asterina starfish eat coral but best to get everything off anyway, good job being thorough and careful

Oh my gosh this is normal? Even being able to see in the insides of the clam? What if like food or sand gets in. super happy it’s normal. Yes this asterina was much bigger than most and speckled with black dots looking like the clam!

dedragon · Apr 2, 2021

no most of the time it will be mostly closed like this, just acclimating still, i think its amazing the first time you realize it is mostly empty space in there

SauceyReef · Apr 2, 2021

Yea it is so creepy looking inside! Sigh of relief. I will keep this post and my other clam forum updated the next month with how it goes. How long until I should be concerned about this gaping?

dedragon · Apr 2, 2021

probably a day or two, but clams will just sometime open it up randomly for a little while to adjust flow inside of it so sometimes its hard to distinguish. I would more look for mantle health (cuts, changes in color, detaching from shell) or if it is constantly gaping for a couple days

SauceyReef · Apr 2, 2021

If it is constantly gaping for a few days do you recommend I move it up higher up? Other than the slightly gaping siphon the mantle seems pretty good but I will keep my eye on it for sure. Cant take it off.

dedragon · Apr 2, 2021

no it wont die from low par from a few days and also it isnt really that low par anyway. Mostly about flow at this point, i just directed mine towards flow, so flow goes towards gaping part then to the tube part, if that makes sense. It will usually just stay in place or turn on its side if its unhappy, soon it should attach to the rock though, not too high flow especially if its linear