Aquacultured Invertebrates :
The conservation-minded alternative for beautiful reef invertebrates in your home aquarium. Farm-raised from around the world!
1-Derasa Clam, Aquacultured
Tridacna derasa
Care Level: Moderate
Reef Compatible: Yes
Lighting: Moderate
Waterflow: Medium
Placement: Bottom to Middle
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Color Form: Blue, Brown, Tan, White
Diet: Filter Feeder, Plankton Eater
Supplements: Calcium, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Micronesia
Family: Tridacnidae
Tridacna derasa is also referred to as the Southern Giant Clam or Smooth Giant Clam, and is the second largest of all the Tridacna spp., reaching a size of 24" in the wild. Unlike most other Tridacna spp. that have a large byssal opening, Derasa Clams have a narrow gap on the underside of their thick, smooth shell. They can easily be confused with their close relative Tridacna gigas, especially when they are very small in size. T. derasa can be identified by having six to seven vertical folds in their shell which they can close completely, where T. gigas has only four or five vertical folds, and is unable to completely close their hinged shell.
Tridacna derasa have a broad range in the wild and are found in the Indo-Pacific, Central Pacific and South Pacific as well as the Coral Sea. They occupy outer reef habitats on both sandy and hard packed substrates, and can be found either solitary or in small aggregations at depths ranging from 10 to 60 feet. All Derasa Clams entering the aquarium trade are cultured in the Central Pacific and South Pacific Ocean. Although they can be found in a variety of colorations and patterns in the wild, the ones aquacultured for the aquarium trade are primarily gold, brown, orange, and yellow, with vibrant blue or green trim edging that surrounds the mantle.
T. derasa will arrive unattached to any rock or substrate, and prefer to be placed in the sand or in a recess of a rock, as they do not attach as firmly to the substrate or rockwork like most other members of the genus. In the home aquarium, Derasa Clams require moderate to intense lighting to thrive as they contain the symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae, and receive the majority of their nutrition from the light through photosynthesis. Smaller T. derasathat are 2" or less in size are much more sensitive to very intense lighting as their membrane is much thinner than larger specimens.
For this reason care should be taken to properly photo-adapt them to the existing reef aquarium lighting in a similar manner to newly introduced stony and soft corals. When adapting a new Derasa Clam to very intense lighting, it is ideal to set them on a small rock or in a plastic dish with coarse substrate at the bottom of the aquarium. Over time, the clam can then be slowly moved up higher in the aquarium. When maintained in the proper environment, smaller Derasa Clams can double or triple their size in less than a year.
Tridacna clams are also filter feeders and constantly filter the water for small particulates. Derasa Clams larger than 2" do not require supplemental feedings, but smaller T. derasa that are less than 2" should be fed a phytoplanktonor greenwater supplement several times per week if maintained in a nutrient poor reef aquarium.
Tridacna derasa are the hardiest and most adaptable of all the Tridacna spp., and require moderate to intense lighting and good water flow in the home aquarium. Proper water chemistry is very important, and they will thrive when calcium levels of 380- 450 mg/L, alkalinity level of 8-11 dKH, and magnesium level of 1280-1350 ppm are maintained.
2- Squamosa Clam, Aquacultured
Tridacna squamosa
Care Level: Moderate
Reef Compatible: Yes
Lighting: Moderate to High
Waterflow: Medium
Placement: Bottom to Middle
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Color Form: Brown, Cream, Gold, Tan
Diet: Filter Feeder, Plankton Eater
Supplements: Calcium, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Micronesia
Family: Tridacnidae
Tridacna derasa spawning
The Squamosa Clam is also referred to as the Scaled Clam, as its species name squamosa is the Latin word for scale. The numerous rows of large scales over its entire shell are often used as shelter by other organisms, such as small crabs, bivalves, and other sessile invertebrates. The shell is symmetrical, and the matching growth pattern of its shell allows it to close together very tightly to protect itself from predation. The Squamosa Clam has a wide byssal opening and long tentacles surrounding its incurrent siphon, and attaches weakly to solid substrate with byssal filaments.
Tridacna squamosal have a very broad range in the wild and are found in Central and South Pacific, the Coral Sea, the Indo-Pacific through the Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea. They occupy coral reef habitats, commonly found living among live and dead stony corals of the genus Acropora at depths up to 50 feet. All of these clams entering the aquarium trade are cultured in the Central Pacific and South Pacific Ocean, and are primarily gold, brown, and yellow in coloration, occasionally having orange, green, or blue spots. The rarest color form ofTridacna squamosal is all blue, and this color form is rarely available in the aquarium trade, demanding a very hefty price.
Squamosa clams will arrive either unattached or attached to small pieces of substrate. They will normally attach to a solid surface within a week or so of being introduced into the aquarium. Once attached to a solid surface, never forcibly remove an attached clam from the substrate or rockwork, as lethal damage to their foot and other tissue will be inevitable. As a last resort, to remove a clam from a hard surface gently cut each byssal thread with a razor blade as close to the attachment point of the rock or solid surface, making sure not to slice or damage any tissue.
In the home aquarium, Squamosa Clams require moderate to high lighting to thrive as they contain the symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae, and receive the majority of their nutrition from the light through photosynthesis. Smaller T. squamosa that are 2" or less in size are much more sensitive to very intense lighting as their membrane is much thinner than larger specimens. For this reason, care should be taken to properly photo-adapt them to the existing reef aquarium lighting in a similar manner to newly introduced stony and soft corals. When adapting a new Squamosa Clam to very intense lighting, it is ideal to set them on a small rock or in a plastic dish with coarse substrate at the bottom of the aquarium. Over time, the clam can then be slowly moved up higher in the aquarium.
Tridacna clams are also filter feeders and constantly filter the water for small particulates. Squamosa Clams larger than 2" do not require supplemental feedings, but smallerT. squamosa that are less than 2" should be fed aphytoplankton or greenwater supplement several times per week if maintained in a nutrient poor reef aquarium.
Squamosa Clams are relatively hardy and less demanding than most other Tridacna species, and require moderate to intense lighting and good water flow in the home aquarium. Proper water chemistry is very important, and they will thrive when calcium levels of 380- 450 mg/L, alkalinity level of 8-11 dKH, and magnesium level of 1280-1350 ppm are maintained.
3-Maxima Clam Blue, Aquacultured
Tridacna maxima
Care Level: Moderate
Reef Compatible: Yes
Lighting: High
Waterflow: Medium
Placement: Bottom to Middle
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Color Form: Assorted, Blue, Purple
Diet: Filter Feeder
Supplements: Calcium, Trace Elements
Origin: Aquacultured - USA, Cook Islands
Family: Tridacnidae
The Maxima Clam is also known as the Small Giant Clam and is one of the most widely recognized species of the giant clams. The beauty of its mantle with its rich variety of patterns and vivid colorations makes for a spectacular display in reef aquariums that are illuminated properly.Maxima Clams are known to live together in great congregations, and they can attain a maximum size of 12” in the wild.
The vast majority of Tridacna maxima available in the aquarium trade are cultured on land based clam farms in the Central and South Pacific. Maxima Clams are found in an endless variety of colors and patterns, and these clams are graded for size, their intensity of coloration, and how complex their patterns are, and then priced accordingly. Larger clams that have the most intense coloration and intricate patterns are much more expensive.
Maxima Clams can be identified by having a more elongated shell that lacks symmetry, with narrowly spaced scutes or scallops on the upper portions of each side of their hinged shells. Like some other members of its genus,T. maxima attach to hard substrate or rockwork with thread like appendages called byssal filaments, and can eventually burrow or bore into porous substrate over time.Maxima clams will arrive either unattached or attached to a small piece of rock or substrate. They will normally attach to a solid surface within a day or so of being introduced into the aquarium, so keep in mind that their first placement should be considered permanent. Never forcibly remove an attached clam from the substrate or rockwork, as lethal damage to their foot and other tissue will be inevitable. As a last resort, to remove a clam from a hard surface gently cut each byssal thread with a razor blade as close to the attachment point of the rock or solid surface, making sure not to slice or damage any tissue.
In the home aquarium, the Maxima Clams require intense lighting to thrive as they contain the symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae, and receive the majority of their nutrition from the light through photosynthesis. Smaller T. maximathat are 2” or less in size are much more sensitive to very intense lighting as their membrane is much thinner than larger specimens. For this reason care should be taken to properly photo-adapt them to the existing reef aquarium lighting in a similar manner to newly introduced stony and soft corals. When adapting a new Maxima Clam to very intense lighting, it is ideal to set them on a small rock or in a plastic dish with coarse substrate at the bottom of the aquarium. Over time the clam can then be slowly moved up higher in the aquarium.
Tridacna clams are also filter feeders and constantly filter the water for small particulates. 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.
Tridacna maxima are relatively hardy clams, and require intense lighting and good water flow in the home aquarium. Proper water chemistry is very important, and they will thrive when calcium levels of 380- 450 mg/L, alkalinity level of 8-11 dKH, and magnesium level of 1280-1350 ppm are maintained.
4-Abalone, Aquacultured
Haliotis sp.
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025, 61-79° F
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Blue, Clear, Green
Diet: Herbivore
Origin: Aquacultured
Family: Haliotidae
The Abalone adds interest to any home reef aquarium. What makes Haliotis sp. unique is its tear-shaped shell dressed by a line of respiratory holes near the outer edge. It has an iridescent interior and a mantle covered with numerous papillae. Besides being beautiful, this member of the Haliotidae family serves an important role. As it glides along your aquarium substrate and glass, the Abalone feeds on algae.
Generally nocturnal, wild Abalones find refuge in holes or crevices in rocks and coral during the day and come out at night to feed. In the home aquarium, the Abalone needs ample hiding locations and should not be kept with aggressive, snail-eating crabs, invertebrates, or fish. While its diet is almost exclusively algae, supplement their diet with dried seaweed, blanched lettuce, spinach, or spirulina sheets/tablets.
Unlike its wild counterparts, aquacultured Abalone prefers cooler water temperatures. Care also needs to be taken if attempting to remove an Abalone from rockwork or aquarium glass, as it can attach its foot very firmly and be difficult to move. It also requires proper calcium levels to help promote shell growth and, like other invertebrates, cannot tolerate high nitrate levels, copper-based medications, or fluctuations in water parameters.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2"
5-Derasa Clam, Striped with Blue Rim
Tridacna derasa
Care Level: Moderate
Reef Compatible: Yes
Lighting: Moderate
Waterflow: Medium
Placement: Bottom to Middle
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Color Form: Blue, Brown, Tan, White
Diet: Filter Feeder, Plankton Eater
Supplements: Calcium, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Micronesia
Family: Tridacnidae
Tridacna derasa is also referred to as the Southern Giant Clam or Smooth Giant Clam, and is the second largest of all the Tridacna spp., reaching a size of 24" in the wild. Unlike most other Tridacna spp. that have a large byssal opening, Derasa Clams have a narrow gap on the underside of their thick, smooth shell. They can easily be confused with their close relative Tridacna gigas, especially when they are very small in size. T. derasa can be identified by having six to seven vertical folds in their shell which they can close completely, where T. gigas has only four or five vertical folds, and is unable to completely close their hinged shell.
Tridacna derasa have a broad range in the wild and are found in the Indo-Pacific, Central Pacific and South Pacific as well as the Coral Sea. They occupy outer reef habitats on both sandy and hard packed substrates, and can be found either solitary or in small aggregations at depths ranging from 10 to 60 feet. All Derasa Clams entering the aquarium trade are cultured in the Central Pacific and South Pacific Ocean. Although they can be found in a variety of colorations and patterns in the wild, the ones aquacultured for the aquarium trade are primarily gold, brown, orange, and yellow, with vibrant blue or green trim edging that surrounds the mantle.
T. derasa will arrive unattached to any rock or substrate, and prefer to be placed in the sand or in a recess of a rock, as they do not attach as firmly to the substrate or rockwork like most other members of the genus. In the home aquarium, Derasa Clams require moderate to intense lighting to thrive as they contain the symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae, and receive the majority of their nutrition from the light through photosynthesis. Smaller T. derasathat are 2" or less in size are much more sensitive to very intense lighting as their membrane is much thinner than larger specimens.
For this reason care should be taken to properly photo-adapt them to the existing reef aquarium lighting in a similar manner to newly introduced stony and soft corals. When adapting a new Derasa Clam to very intense lighting, it is ideal to set them on a small rock or in a plastic dish with coarse substrate at the bottom of the aquarium. Over time, the clam can then be slowly moved up higher in the aquarium. When maintained in the proper environment, smaller Derasa Clams can double or triple their size in less than a year.
Tridacna clams are also filter feeders and constantly filter the water for small particulates. Derasa Clams larger than 2" do not require supplemental feedings, but smaller T. derasa that are less than 2" should be fed a phytoplanktonor greenwater supplement several times per week if maintained in a nutrient poor reef aquarium.
Looking for the best food to feed your Tridacna Clams? We recommend AlgaGen Acartia tonsa, AlgaGen Pseudodiaptomus pelagicus, AlgaGen Parvocalanus crassirostris, AlgaGen Tangerine Pod, AlgaGen Moina salina, AlgaGen PhycoPure™ Reef Blend, AlgaGen Decap'd Brine™, and AlgaGen Rotifers.
Tridacna derasa are the hardiest and most adaptable of all the Tridacna spp., and require moderate to intense lighting and good water flow in the home aquarium. Proper water chemistry is very important, and they will thrive when calcium levels of 380- 450 mg/L, alkalinity level of 8-11 dKH, and magnesium level of 1280-1350 ppm are maintained.
6- Derasa Clam, Thin Bar, Aquacultured
Tridacna derasa
Care Level: Moderate
Reef Compatible: Yes
Lighting: Moderate
Waterflow: Medium
Placement: Bottom to Middle
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Color Form: Blue, Brown, Tan, White
Diet: Filter Feeder, Plankton Eater
Supplements: Calcium, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Micronesia
Family: Tridacnidae
Tridacna derasa is also referred to as the Southern Giant Clam or Smooth Giant Clam, and is the second largest of all the Tridacna spp., reaching a size of 24" in the wild. Unlike most other Tridacna spp. that have a large byssal opening, Derasa Clams have a narrow gap on the underside of their thick, smooth shell. They can easily be confused with their close relative Tridacna gigas, especially when they are very small in size. T. derasa can be identified by having six to seven vertical folds in their shell which they can close completely, where T. gigas has only four or five vertical folds, and is unable to completely close their hinged shell.
Tridacna derasa have a broad range in the wild and are found in the Indo-Pacific, Central Pacific and South Pacific as well as the Coral Sea. They occupy outer reef habitats on both sandy and hard packed substrates, and can be found either solitary or in small aggregations at depths ranging from 10 to 60 feet. All Derasa Clams entering the aquarium trade are cultured in the Central Pacific and South Pacific Ocean. Although they can be found in a variety of colorations and patterns in the wild, the ones aquacultured for the aquarium trade are primarily gold, brown, orange, and yellow, with vibrant blue or green trim edging that surrounds the mantle.
T. derasa will arrive unattached to any rock or substrate, and prefer to be placed in the sand or in a recess of a rock, as they do not attach as firmly to the substrate or rockwork like most other members of the genus. In the home aquarium, Derasa Clams require moderate to intense lighting to thrive as they contain the symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae, and receive the majority of their nutrition from the light through photosynthesis. Smaller T. derasathat are 2" or less in size are much more sensitive to very intense lighting as their membrane is much thinner than larger specimens.
For this reason care should be taken to properly photo-adapt them to the existing reef aquarium lighting in a similar manner to newly introduced stony and soft corals. When adapting a new Derasa Clam to very intense lighting, it is ideal to set them on a small rock or in a plastic dish with coarse substrate at the bottom of the aquarium. Over time, the clam can then be slowly moved up higher in the aquarium. When maintained in the proper environment, smaller Derasa Clams can double or triple their size in less than a year.
Tridacna clams are also filter feeders and constantly filter the water for small particulates. Derasa Clams larger than 2" do not require supplemental feedings, but smaller T. derasa that are less than 2" should be fed a phytoplanktonor greenwater supplement several times per week if maintained in a nutrient poor reef aquarium.
Looking for the best food to feed your Tridacna Clams? We recommend AlgaGen Acartia tonsa, AlgaGen Pseudodiaptomus pelagicus, AlgaGen Parvocalanus crassirostris, AlgaGen Tangerine Pod, AlgaGen Moina salina, AlgaGen PhycoPure™ Reef Blend, AlgaGen Decap'd Brine™, and AlgaGen Rotifers.
Tridacna derasa are the hardiest and most adaptable of all the Tridacna spp., and require moderate to intense lighting and good water flow in the home aquarium. Proper water chemistry is very important, and they will thrive when calcium levels of 380- 450 mg/L, alkalinity level of 8-11 dKH, and magnesium level of 1280-1350 ppm are maintained.
Similar types or colrs :
- Derasa Clam, Tiger Striped, Aquacultured (Tridacna derasa)
- Hippopus Clam, Aquacultured (Hippopus hippopus)
Care Level: Moderate
Reef Compatible: Yes
Lighting: High
Waterflow: Low to Medium
Placement: Bottom to Middle
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Color Form: Black, Tan, Yellow
Diet: Filter Feeder
Supplements: Calcium, Magnesium, Strontium, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Aquacultured - USA
Family: Tridacnida
The Hippopus clam is also known as Horse's Hoof, Bear Paw or Strawberry Clam. The shell of this clam is very thick with prominent ribs, and has reddish blotches making it easy to differentiate from other clams. The mantle of these clams does not extend past the edge of the shell, and are brownish-green to gray in color with faint gold stripes. The large opening in the mantle, which is called the incurrent aperture, lacks the tentacles that are common with other clams within the Tridacnidae family. These are relatively fast growing clams that process a lot of water for their size which helps in controlling nutrients in a reef aquarium.
A well-established reef aquarium with moderately high lighting is ideal for the Hippopus Clam. These clams prefer to be seated in the substrate with a low to moderate water current. As they grow, they will eventually loose their byssal gland, and will rely on their weight to keep them in place. It is ideal to place these clams on a flat rock that is buried in the substrate to keep access to the byssal opening away from any potential predators.
The Hippopus Clam requires calcium levels of at least 280 mg/L, preferably 380-440 mg/L, as well as adequate strontium and iodine. They require moderately high lighting from which they receive part of their required nutrition. They also need nutrients within the water in which they can feed. Provide phytoplankton in the form of a filter feeding food, weekly. They also feed upon ammonia and nitrates within the aquarium, and are a good addition to the reef aquarium for helping control these nutrients.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1 3/4" to 2 1/4"; Medium 2 1/4" to 2 3/4" Large 2 3/4" - 4" XLarge: 4" to 5"; XXLarge" 5' to 5-1/2"
- Maxima Clam Blue/Turquoise, Aquacultured (Tridacna maxima)
Care Level: Moderate
Reef Compatible: Yes
Lighting: High
Waterflow: Medium
Placement: Bottom to Middle
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Color Form: Blue, Green
Diet: Filter Feeder
Supplements: Calcium, Trace Elements
Origin: Aquacultured - USA
Family: Tridacnidae
- Maxima Clam Gold, Aquacultured(Tridacna maxima)
Care Level: Moderate
Reef Compatible: Yes
Lighting: High
Waterflow: Low to Medium
Placement: Bottom to Middle
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Color Form: Black, Brown, Gold, Tan
Diet: Filter Feeder, Plankton Eater
Supplements: Calcium, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Aquacultured - ORA®
Family: Tridacnidae
Amazing 2010 edition Maxea and Maxima clams arrive at Sea Dwelling Creatures
courtesy to : www.reefbuilders.com / Jake Adams
The mind blowing Tridacna clams that Sea Dwelling Creatures just landed sure are going to make a bunch of their customers happy this week. A little over a year since we first wrote about Maxea clams, the supposed hybrid between Tridacna maxima x . T. crocea, SDC is flaunting some images of amazing blue &
gold Tridacna clams which they have labeled as ‘MaxCea’ clams. These amazing specimens certainly bear an uncanny similarity to the sensational Maxea clams which first began to become available in February of last year, except some of these Blue & Gold Maxea clams might just be even nicer. Compare the image at left with one of the nicest Maxeas we photographed from last year’s first batch.
Also take a look at the hyper-blue Maxima clam pictured at right which was part of this recent shipment, holy cowfish! You Naysayers can neigh all you want but whoever is producing these aquacultured clams is cooking their genetics, juicing their development or growing near a nuclear power plant, something. Either way we’ll be on one
of these 2010 edition Maxea clams the moment we see some at the LFS in person. Nom, nom. nom . . .
ORA Clams ..
Below Liat is Courtesy to : www.live aquaria.com