Tridacna Clams Saltwater Aquarium

Tridacna Clams

Why Keep Tridacnid Clams? - Tridacna clams are some of the most intriguing of all reef aquarium species, tridacnid clams actually provide a range of benefits well beyond their beauty and novelty. Clams are filter feeders, meaning that they help marine aquariums maintain high water quality by absorbing nitrates, ammonia and other organics that are harmful to sensitive reef tank inhabitants even in very low concentrations. Beside that, few if any reef aquarium species have the wide range of vibrant colors that the giant clam species offer as well as the "oooh" factor from non-reef aquarium hobbyists.

Keeping giant clams healthy and growing in a reef aquarium requires a similar system of care to that of SPS corals. Bright lighting such as that provided by metal halide aquarium lights is an absolute necessity, in that most clams generate energy by photosynthesis as well as by filter feeding. Moderate to high water flow will ensure that clams receive an ample supply of water to continually feed on. High levels of calcium provided by calcium reactors or daily dosing, will help clams to develop thick and healthy shells and to grow rapidly.

Clams are relatively slow growing reef aquarium inhabitants, a trait that is actually considered a positive feature by most advanced reef tank hobbyists. Clams do not encroach on other reef tank species in the way that often corals do, and offer peace of mind as well as beauty for their keepers.

Note: The clams pictured below are representative only - the coloration of the clam you receive may vary. Please contact the Livestock department for information on availability of specific colorations.

Maxima Clams

"Best Pick"
Blue Maxima's

These are the pick of the litter!
We only see a few of these per week

Description: Today, Maxima clams are among the most popular for their electric coloration and interesting patterns. Some of the Maxima clams we bring in get chosen as "Pick of the Litter" because they have that extra something, they are extremely beautiful specimens in a sea of beautiful specimens. They are the best of the best..
Natural Environment:
Indo-Pacific in reef top, shallow water, high current areas where they embed themselves partially into the substrate (rock or rubble) attached by their strong byssus filaments. They are also sometimes found at depths of up to 45 feet.
Hardiness: T. maxima is a moderately hardy clam which usually does well in reef tanks given strong lighting and clear water conditions with low to moderate water flow.
Lighting: Requires fairly intense lighting, Metal Halide, VHO, or Power Compact depending on tank size. The clam coloration can change depending upon lighting conditions.
Water Current: Low to moderate.
Temperature: Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic. They may benefit from feedings of phytoplankton, but it is not required.
Supplements: Proper calcium levels (350-500 milligrams per liter) are important for growth as is maintaining good alkalinity levels.
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Tank Positioning: Position on the substrate in the bottom of the tank in a low to moderate water flow area. Can also be positioned on live rock if care is taken to locate it so that it cannot move and fall from its perch.

Starting at $69.99

"Best Pick"
Gold Maxima's

These are the pick of the litter!
We only see a few of these per week

Starting at $69.99

"Best Pick"
Green Maxima's

These are the pick of the litter!
We only see a few of these per week

Starting at $89.99

Marshall Island Gold Maxima's

Description:Marshall Island Gold Maximas exhibit a wide range of beautiful colors and patterns.
Natural Environment:Indo-Pacific in reef top, shallow water, high current areas where they embed themselves partially into the substrate (rock or rubble) attached by their strong byssus filaments. They are also sometimes found at depths of up to 45 feet.
Hardiness: T. maxima is a moderately hardy clam which usually does well in reef tanks given strong lighting and clear water conditions with low to moderate water flow.
Lighting: Requires fairly intense lighting, Metal Halide, VHO, or Power Compact depending on tank size. The clam coloration can change depending upon lighting conditions.
Water Current: Low to moderate.
Temperature: Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic. They may benefit from feedings of phytoplankton, but it is not required.
Supplements: Proper calcium levels (350-500 milligrams per liter) are important for growth as is maintaining good alkalinity levels.
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Tank Positioning: Position on the substrate in the bottom of the tank in a low to moderate water flow area. Can also be positioned on live rock if care is taken to locate it so that it cannot move and fall from its perch.

Starting at $39.99

Marshall Island Blue Maxima's

Description: Marshall Island Blue Maximas exhibit a wide range of beautiful colors and patterns.
Natural Environment: Indo-Pacific in reef top, shallow water, high current areas where they embed themselves partially into the substrate (rock or rubble) attached by their strong byssus filaments. They are also sometimes found at depths of up to 45 feet.
Hardiness: T. maxima is a moderately hardy clam which usually does well in reef tanks given strong lighting and clear water conditions with low to moderate water flow.
Lighting: Requires fairly intense lighting, Metal Halide, VHO, or Power Compact depending on tank size. The clam coloration can change depending upon lighting conditions.
Water Current: Low to moderate.
Temperature: Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic. They may benefit from feedings of phytoplankton, but it is not required.
Supplements: Proper calcium levels (350-500 milligrams per liter) are important for growth as is maintaining good alkalinity levels.
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Tank Positioning: Position on the substrate in the bottom of the tank in a low to moderate water flow area. Can also be positioned on live rock if care is taken to locate it so that it cannot move and fall from its perch.

Starting at $39.99

"Best Pick"
Teardrop Maxima's

Description:Teardrop Maxima's name comes from the teardrop shaped markings on their mantles. For a long time good ones were hard to find. Now we have a new exclusive source for the most beautiful, Teardrop Maxima clams. They are being collected in a region close to the equator where the colors are the most brilliant in a large atoll in the middle of the Pacific.
Natural Environment:
Indo-Pacific in reef top, shallow water, high current areas where they embed themselves partially into the substrate (rock or rubble) attached by their strong byssus filaments. They are also sometimes found at depths of up to 45 feet.
Hardiness: T. maxima is a moderately hardy clam which usually does well in reef tanks given strong lighting and clear water conditions with low to moderate water flow.
Lighting: Requires fairly intense lighting, Metal Halide, VHO, or Power Compact depending on tank size. The clam coloration can change depending upon lighting conditions.
Water Current: Low to moderate.
Temperature: Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic. They may benefit from feedings of phytoplankton, but it is not required.
Supplements: Proper calcium levels (350-500 milligrams per liter) are important for growth as is maintaining good alkalinity levels.
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Tank Positioning: Position on the substrate in the bottom of the tank in a low to moderate water flow area. Can also be positioned on live rock if care is taken to locate it so that it cannot move and fall from its perch.

Starting at $129.99
Out of Stock

Deresa Clams ~ Crocea Clams

Tiger Deresa Clam

Description: Derasa clams continue to grow in popularity for both their ease of care and fast growth. For maximum growth and health, they like soft to moderate currents, and water parameters that remain very stable. Ideally the Deresa likes to attach to sand.
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.
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.
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
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..

Starting at $34.99

Electric Crocea Clams

Incredible looking, no two are alike!

Description:One of the most attractive of all the clams. Color can be beautiful combinations of blue's, purple's, yellow's, green's, gold's and even orange in various patterns. It is the smallest of the 'giant' clams and reaches a maximum length of six to 8 inches.
Natural Environment:Indo-Pacific in shallow areas near shore where they burrow themselves into the substrate and coral heads. Only the top of the shell and mantle are visible once embedded.
Hardiness:T. crocea is a hardy clam as long as water parameters and adequate lighting is provided. Adequate lighting is key to keeping these clams healthy.
Lighting: MH lighting is preferred. Since Crocea are shallow water species, Intense lighting is required. They do best with lower Kelvin lighting (6K - 10K)
Water Current: Moderate to high (but not direct) water currents suit it well.
Temperature: Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.
Feeding: Primarily or totally photosynthetic. They may benefit from feedings of phytoplankton, but it is not necessary to feed them
Supplements: Proper calcium levels (400-450 ppm) are important for growth as is maintaining good alkalinity levels.
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Tank Positioning: Can be positioned on the substrate in the bottom of the tank in a moderate water flow area if intense lighting is provided. Otherwise if lighting is marginal, position higher up in the tank in a secure location where it is not in danger of falling.

Starting at $39.99

"Best Pick"
Electric Crocea Clams

These are the pick of the litter!
We only see a few of these per week

Description:The T. crocea clam is one of the most attractive clams and is easily confused with T. maxima. Some of the Croceq clams we bring in get chosen as "Pick of the Litter" because they have that extra something, they are extremely beautiful specimens in a sea of beautiful specimens. They are the best of the best..
Natural Environment:
Indo-Pacific in shallow areas near shore where they burrow themselves into the substrate and coral heads. Only the top of the shell and mantle are visible once embedded.
Hardiness:T. crocea is a hardy clam as long as water parameters and adequate lighting is provided. Adequate lighting is key to keeping these clams healthy.
Lighting: MH lighting is preferred. Since Crocea are shallow water species, Intense lighting is required. They do best with lower Kelvin lighting (6K - 10K)
Water Current: Moderate to high (but not direct) water currents suit it well.
Temperature: Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.
Feeding: Primarily or totally photosynthetic. They may benefit from feedings of phytoplankton, but it is not necessary to feed them
Supplements: Proper calcium levels (400-450 ppm) are important for growth as is maintaining good alkalinity levels.
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Tank Positioning: Can be positioned on the substrate in the bottom of the tank in a moderate water flow area if intense lighting is provided. Otherwise if lighting is marginal, position higher up in the tank in a secure location where it is not in danger of falling ( or jumping).

Starting at $69.99

Squamosa Clams ~ Hippopus Clams ~ Gi

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 mantle is usually a golden brown, yellow or olive green with numerous iridescent blue or green spots, particularly around the edges. Maximum size is over 3 feet.
Environment:Indo-Pacific in fairly deep water locations (30-60 feet)
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.
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.
Water Current: Low water currents are preferred. Temperature: Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of 75-82°F.
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.
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Tank Positioning: Position on the substrate in the bottom of the tank in a low to moderate water flow area.

gas Clams

Tridacna Squamosa

Description:Squamosa clams come in exciting color varieties with interesting patterns of spots ranging from brown to blue. Squamosa is known as the Fluted or Scaly Giant Clam. These names arise due to the beautiful shell . The mantle of the squamosa can be very variable in coloration and quite beautiful. Maximum size is approximately 16".
Natural Environment:Indo-Pacific in sheltered deeper (30-50 feet) waters such as deep water lagoons or reef walls.
Hardiness: T. squamosa is a hardy clam which usually does well in reef tanks.
Lighting: T. squamosa is one of the more light tolerant clams. Requires moderate to intense lighting.
Water Current: Low to moderate.
Temperature: Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.
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.
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Tank Positioning: Position on the substrate in the bottom of the tank in a low to moderate water flow area. Can also be positioned on live rock if care is taken to locate it so that it cannot move and fall from its perch.

Starting at $49.99

Tridacna Hippopus

Description: Also called the called Horse's Hoof, Bear Paw, or China Clam or Strawberry Clam. It can grow to a sixteen inch shell width. The mantle is fairly plain either green or brown tones with many fine white lines on the surface. With a very thick and heavy shell.
Natural Environment:Malay Peninsula to Australia, out to Micronesia and Tonga. Found in shallows on the reef flats and patch reefs.
Hardiness: It is a hardy clam and easily acclimated to your tank. If you are lucky enough to add this clam to your collection, place it in the upper third of your tank
Lighting: Hippopus is one of the more light tolerant clams.
Water Current: Low to moderate.
Temperature: Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.
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.
Acclimation Time: 4+ hours
Tank Positioning: Position on the substrate in the bottom of the tank in a low to moderate water flow area.

Gigas Clam

Guarantee Info: Considered for advanced aquarists only; clams have more intensive care needs, requiring optimum water conditions, strong lighting, and long term acclimation procedures. Because of the added care requirements, Aquatic Connection has labeled these items for advanced aquarists only. They are guaranteed to be delivered to you alive and in good condition. Clam warranty claims must be filed via email only (for time stamp purposes), with a digital picture proving the loss, within 2 hours of delivery. The Fedex time stamp will be used for the start of your 2 hour window. Aquatic Connection will then supply a replacement specimen under our normal guarantee procedures.