Scientific
Name: Tridacna crocea
Family:
Clams / Bivalves
Common Names: Crocea Clam, Burrowing Clam
Description:
The T. crocea clam is one of the most attractive clams and is
easily confused with T. maxima. Color can be a combination of blue,
purple, yellow, green, brown, gold or orange in various patterns.
The mantle usually has numerous iridescent blue, yellow or green blotches
or lines. T. crocea has a very large abyssal gland (larger than
T. maxima). This gland is used to anchor the clam in the
strong water currents they inhabit. The shell is thicker than other clams,
relatively small folds on the side of the shell and small scutes usually on the upper portions of the shell only.
Incurrent siphon has very fine tentacles. T. crocea is the
smallest of the 'giant' clams and reaches a
maximum length of 6-9".
Natural Environment:
Indo-Pacific in shallow areas near shore where they burrow
themselves into the substrate and coral heads. Only the top of the shell
and mantle are visible once embedded. T. crocea clams can be either wild
caught or tank raised. Tank raised specimens usually have larger scutes.
Care:
Hardiness: T. crocea is a fairly delicate
clam and is probably one of the hardest to keep in captivity. Adequate lighting
is key to keeping these clams healthy.
Lighting: Intense lighting is required to attempt to keep
these clams. MH lighting is preferred. T. crocea clams
require more intense lighting than any of the other clams. Under
insufficient lighting, the mantle coloration may fade or turn brown.
Extensive mantle extension may indicate a lack of light as the clam attempts to
maximize the lighting exposure by extending to the fullest extent
possible. Since Crocea are shallow water species, they will probably tend
to do best with lower Kelvin lighting (6K - 10K)
Water Current:
Moderate to high (but not direct) water currents suit it well.
Temperature:
Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of
75-84°F.
Aggressiveness: None
Feeding: Primarily or totally photosynthetic. They may benefit
from feedings of phytoplankton, but it is not necessary to feed them
Supplements: Proper calcium levels (400-450 ppm) are important for
growth as is maintaining good alkalinity levels.
Tank Positioning: Can be position on the substrate in the bottom of
the tank in a moderate water flow area if intense lighting is
provided. Otherwise position higher up in the tank in a secure location
where it is not in danger of falling (jumping) in order to ensure it gets
adequate lighting.
Further Reading:
Tridacna
crocea — Pearls of the Reef
By Daniel Knop
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