Clam Trouble

[alton]

I have had a Deresa clam for about 6 years. It has grown from 3" to around 8" in those years. Last night I got home and he was laying on his side which is not that unusual it has happened over the years. I just reset him in the sand and we are good to go, except when I reached into the tank to reset the clam and noticed when I picked him up the two shells where not attached at the bottom anymore. I reset him in the sand and he openned up and looked okay until the lights went out and you could tell the shells where misalined. Can anybody tell me what is going to happen now or what I should do?

[erick]

I have a Derasa, and I have noticed the same behavior (moving, not stable, lying on its side occasionally). My Derasa does not have the bottom of the shells attached, never has. Sometimes the base of the shells are real close, and they appear to be connected, sometimes they are farther apart. Main importance is the byssal gland. Is it intact? You should be able to see it, if it is not attached to anything. I would watch him carefully for a couple of days, looking for gaping, or over extension---sure signs of stress or decline. Keep us posted, best of luck ...Erick....

[hobogato]

i have a gigas that also does not have his shell halves attached, has been fine for almost two years.

[alton]

Thanks for the info. I am getting more or less the same replies on the clamsdirect forum that Gary P. set me too. When I get home today I will block him up with rubble so he stays together and upright.

[apedroza]

Thought Id tag in on this one. My clam is on a rock that I placed it on. I want to move it,to make room for frags but it has attached itself. Is there a way to dislodge it without hurting it?

[erick]

Uhh, VERY carefully!! If it is a Crocea, then they are rock burrowing clams...i.e they burrow into the rock with thier byssal gland. You must be very careful not to damage the byssal gland or its bye bye to the clam! Try to gently move him, nudge him once or twice, and then do it agian about 30 min later, and then again, etc..etc.. This might get him to release. Best bet? Move the rock with the clam on it! Good luck....

[apedroza]

That sound pretty scary, I'll try to nudge it loose if not I'll just leave it where it is.