Scientific
Name: Tridacna gigas
Family:
Clams / Bivalves
Common Names: Gigas Clam, Giant Clam
Description:
The T. gigas clam is the largest of the clams kept in reef tanks. They
are actually the largest clams in the wild as well. They have large,
smooth,
heavy ribbed (4 or 5 ribs) shells without scutes. The edge of the
shell is often very sharp. The mantle is usually a golden
brown, yellow or olive green with numerous iridescent blue or green spots,
particularly around the edges. The center of the mantle frequently
has clear spots. There are no tentacles on the incurrent
opening. Large T. gigas cannot completely close their
shells. Maximum size is over 3 feet.
Natural Environment:
Indo-Pacific in fairly deep water locations (30-60 feet)
Care:
Hardiness: T. gigas is a hardy clam
which does well in reef tanks given good water conditions and the room to grow. It is the fastest growing clam and can
easily outgrown its tank. Due to its deep water natural habitat, it may be
more sensitive to water parameter changes than the other Tridacna clams.
Lighting: Moderate to relatively high lighting is suitable.
T. gigas does not really like the most intense lighting conditions that suit
some clams and should be carefully acclimated to higher lighting conditions such
as metal halides. The clam above is housed under 400W 10K MH lamps.
Water Current:
Low water currents are preferred.
Temperature:
Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of 75-82°F. May
be sensitive to the upper temperature range due to its natural deep water
natural habitat.
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.
Further Reading:
Tridacna
gigas
- Gruesome Monster or Harmless Tank Inhabitant?
By
Daniel Knop
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