Deresa Mantle slightly torn

[thepudge]

Hi all, I have a 9 inch deresa clam which has been in my system for a couple of years. Never had any problems with it. However a couple of weeks ago I noticed that it was gaping slightly and that the mantle was slightly pinched in one place on the mantle (on both sides). I figured it was just minor irritation and checked him for pyramids, etc. Found nothing. So its been like that for the last two weeks (pretty much stopped gaping though - full extension, otherwise seems healthy) and I looked closely today and the mantle is very slightly torn where the it was pinched. Will the clam recover from this, or is it going to get worse?

Thanks,

Alex

 

[pecan2phat]

The clam should recover if it's just a slight tear on the mantle. Fish nipping on the mantles is not that uncommon and they tend to heal.

If the mantle continues to be pinched, I would look into some threads on RC to facilitate a fresh water dip for the clam.

Most of my clams need a dip every so often and the mantles are fine the next day.

 

[thepudge]

Thanks for the reply!

Is it possible that the pinching caused the tear? It could be my hippo's fault, but it may also be mine.. i accidentally dropped a powerhead (turned off) on him a few weeks ago, I thought he closed up in time, but maybe a bit of the mantle got hit.

If the clam gets any worse I will dip him.. I'd like to avoid doing that if possible, I always end up killing things when I try to save them :smash:

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

The clam should recover if it's just a slight tear on the mantle. Fish nipping on the mantles is not that uncommon and they tend to heal.

If the mantle continues to be pinched, I would look into some threads on RC to facilitate a fresh water dip for the clam.

Most of my clams need a dip every so often and the mantles are fine the next day.

Can you tell us what the fresh water dip will do to the clam in more detail?

 

[thepudge]

As I understand it, it clears out all the pests that take up residence in the clam, but it can be stressful to the clam.