Scientific
Name: Tridacna derasa
Family:
Clams / Bivalves
Common Names: Derasa Clam
Description:
The T. derasa clam usually have a very conspicuous stripped
or wavy line mantle pattern consisting of orange, yellow, black blue and white
colors. The shell is heavy, but plain, without any significant scutes or
ribbing. The incurrent siphon has large tentacles. The byssal
opening is fairly narrow. T. derasa
can grow rapidly in the reef tank, easily growing from 2" to 5"
or 6" in a years time. T. derasa is one of the largest
of the giant clams and reaches a maximum length of about 24".
Natural Environment:
Indo-Pacific in shallow, wave protected, clear water areas as
a juvenile. T. derasa loses its
byssus gland as an adult when it reaches about 12" in length and moves to
deeper waters apparently via water currents and lives freely on the substrate in
lagoons. T. derasa clams in the hobby are all captive bred.
Care:
Hardiness: T. derasa is a very hardy
species and a good clam for the beginning hobbyist, provided reasonably strong
lighting, clear water conditions and stable salinity is provided..
Lighting: Moderate to Intense lighting can be used with
these clams although they seem to due better with lighting on the brighter end of
the scale. Being shallow water species, they may do best with lower Kelvin
lighting (6K to 10K).
Water Current:
Low to moderate. Although they come from low water current areas in
nature, they seem to tolerate moderate water flow well.
Temperature:
Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of at least 75-84°F.
Aggressiveness: None
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic. They may benefit
from feedings of phytoplankton, but it is not required.
Supplements: Proper calcium levels (400-450 ppm) are important for
growth as is maintaining good alkalinity levels.
Tank Positioning: Position on the substrate in the bottom of
the tank in a low to 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..
Further Reading:
Tridacna
derasa — Beautifully Colored and Quite Hardy
By Daniel Knop
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