Natural Habitat

Indo-West Pacific

Tank Temperature

75-82°F

pH

8.0-8.4

Specific Gravity

1.022-1.026

Tank Requirements

Requires very low nitrates, pristine water quality.

Feeding

Photosynthetic, filter-feeder; regular feedings of phytoplankton and zooplankton and high direct lighting.

Behavior

Rock-boring. Should be placed on a hard surface. Can be sensitive, vulnerable to predators.

Compatibility

Reef and Invert Safe. Should not be kept with fish or invertebrates that will pick at their sensitive mantle.

Species Overview

Clams are wonderful additions to any reef aquaria, but they do have some requirements that make them more difficult than other inverts to keep. Some research is recommended before purchasing clams to find out what species will work the best in your reef aquarium.

Crocea Clams (Tridacna crocea) have a colorful mantle that ranges in color from blue to purple to green (often a combination of these colors), and is usually adorned with golden markings. The fleshy mantle may appear metallic or iridescent, and it expands gracefully over the edge of the clam's scalloped shell when the clam is open. Croceas are normally found in very shallow waters, high on the reef, where they often live embedded in the reef itself and may even be exposed during low tide. Your clam should be placed on a hard surface or rock where it will use fibrous byssal threads to anchor to the surface. Crocea Clams have the ability to dissolve the coral or rock surrounding their shell to form a "burrow" in which they live and they are referred to as "Boring Giant Clams" in some areas.

Crocea shells may be slightly yellow or orange tinted. The hinge can be 1/3 to 1/2 as long as the entire shell and the shell itself is usually slightly rounded. The ripples in the shell are not very pronounced, and they tend to be more prominently rippled towards the top. The byssal opening (where the foot and byssal threads are extended from on the bottom of the clam) is larger on Croceas than most other Tridacna clams.

Croceas are slightly more delicate of the Tridacna species. They depend on strong lighting, good water flow and excellent water quality. In the aquarium, be sure they are exposed to direct light (Metal Halide, HO, Power Compact). Smaller clams rely heavily on planktonic foods filtered from the water for their nutrition. They should be fed regularly with various types of invert foods like phytoplankton, zooplankton, oyster eggs, rotifers and similar items. Avoid keeping with potential predators or tankmates that may nip at the clam's mantle like some wrasses, angelfish, crabs, and others.

We always suggest that you do further research before adding a new pet to your tank. What we have provided for you are guidelines and suggestions. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact our fish room at 717-299-5691 ext. 1213 or marinebio@thatpetplace.com.

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