Found between coral heads and depressions in rocks over coral and rocky reefs. What You See Is What You Get. Tridacnids are part of a larger group of animals called mollusks that include other clams, mussels, oysters and scallops, as examples. However, it was still at the LFS two weeks later, and I just had to have it. Tridacna Squamosa and Tridacna Derasa are the best clams for beginners, requiring lower light & water quality conditions to thrive. What You See Is What You Get. Clams house an alga within their mantle called ZOOXANTHELLAE I wanted it, but it was so small I thought it would simply get lost in my reef tank. 3.The Maxima Clam is less than a third of the size of the giant clam. Of the nine known species of giant clams, Tridacna maxima, T. derasa, T. gigas, T. crocea, T. squamosa, and Hippopus hippopus are the most widely kept in aquaria.Tridacna mbalavuana and Hippopus porcellanus are rarely seen in the trade. Maxima is a higher lighting clam. Guaranteed free of pyramid snails, no gaping, responsive, a healthy foot, a shell the aligns properly, and no pinched mantle issues. Keep in mind that shipping is something extremely stressful on clams. Maxima Clams larger than 2" do not require supplemental feedings, but smaller T. maxima that are less than 2" should be fed a phytoplankton or greenwater supplement several times per week if maintained in a nutrient poor reef aquarium. Common Names: Maxima clam, Rugosa clam Phylum: Mollusca Class: Bivalvia Order: Veneroida Family: Tridacnoidea Range: Tropical Western Pacific Ocean, and Red Sea to Eastern Africa Natural Environment: Inhabits the shallow coral reef flat. Crocea, is a moderate lighting clam. T here are several species of clam belonging to the family Tridacnidae, which are best known as the tridacnids or giant clams. At MACNA 2002, I saw about a hundred for sale, and asked many reefers what they thought would live under 3x55w Power Compact lighting. Clams have two shells of equal size connected by two adductor muscles and have a powerful burrowing foot. This small blue Tridacna maxima called out to me and I put it at the very top of the tank for a few months. No reaction = most likely a sick clam). It planted right away. The Tridacna Species of clam is the best for saltwater aquariums. It is the third largest giant clam following its cousins, the massive Gigas Clam, Tridacna gigas which reaches over 3 feet in length, and the Derasa Clam, Tridacna derasa. The Derasa Clam T. derasa needs less blue light than Gigas Clam T. gigas and Maxima Clam T. maxima. At the base of the clam is a foot called byssal filaments, by which it attaches to live rocks or sandy substrates in a reef aquarium and should not be forcibly removed from that spot. Figure 1 shows a fully grown Tridacna maxima, one species of paua native to the Aitutaki lagoon. Derasa, Squamosa and Gigas clams are best placed on sandy substrate and Best to ask to have it bagged inside the tank, under water. Also known as Clams, Common Giant Clam, Elongated Clam, Elongate Giant Clam, Elongated Giant Clam, Giant Clam, Maxima Clam, Maxima Giant Clam, Molluscs, Rugose Clam, Small Giant Clam, Tridacna Clam, Tridacna Giant Clam. The giant clams (bivalves) of real interest fall into two genera; those being Tridacna and Hippopus. Keeping Tridacna Clams Healthy and growing in a reef aquarium requires a similar system of care to that of SPS corals. New maxima clam without a foot? and is one of the more demanding prices, for a 2 inch one I see them range around 50-80$ usually. Figure 1. as like the maxima it attaches to the rock and price wise they run normally 25-40$ Maxima, crocrea clams require strong light and harder to keep. These clams also possess a byssal gland (the foot) which produces fiber like threads to anchor the clam into place. The Maxima Clam will generally reach a maximum of about 12" in length in a large enough aquarium, though in the wild Maxima clam's have reached over 16 inches. The liveaquaria rep said that people will sometimes affix the clam with epoxy until it has a chance to grab a hold with it's foot - but that just sounds like a really really bad idea. The divers did not handle the clams as well as we did previously and usually damaged the foot, and they began shipping them dry Depending on the color and grade. It's a Maxima, should definitely attach. A healthy and content Maxima clam will fully extend its mantle beyond the shell rim. The scientific name for giant clams is Tridacnidae, or Tridacna when referring to particular species. Maxima and Croc There was a tissue like substance where it was up top after it jumped down. Varies in colour. What You See Is What You Get. Mussels breathe much like fish: gills located on each side of their muscular foot that helps the clam move and as well anchor itself in substrates (this foot being located in between both of its shells). I always wanted a clam. Put it up top, because I thought going from a MH light to 4x39W T5 would be stressful and not enough light. 2.Maxima clams permanently attach to a solid surface within a day. Buy from the clam experts. Buy from the clam experts. It will more than likely die even with a slight fray because of it's size. (the foot) If only the threads have been damaged chances are good it will recover, it the byssal gland has been damaged this could be fatal. Derasa clams are not as pretty but require less light and they are hardier. Clam mantle color - lighting needs: Clams with brown mantles do not require as much light as those with blue mantles, usually, and are considered easier to keep in the home aquarium lighting wise.