Removing clam from rock

[greatwhite]

I have a maxia clam that has been on a rock for a about 4 months and I am sure it is attached by now.My problem my my bubble tip anenome is covering half of the clam.Will removing the clam from the rock kill it if it is attached?

 

[davelin315]

You need to be very careful removing the clam. I don't remember any of the terms, but it will send out these filaments that will attach to the rock. You can cut these as you gently pry the clam away from the rock, but don't cut any fleshy parts of the clam, as injury to this piece of flesh under the clam will result in death. The filaments are nothing, and once they are cut (I use a razor if I have to move my clams) the clam will lift right off. Just don't pull the clam too much or you could kill it.

 

[FishHead1]

Leave the clam and move the other thing.

 

[danmhippo]

Take the whole rock out with the clam. Use a hammer to chip a chunk of rock that the clam attached to, and relocate the clam.

Afterwards, file the sharp edges if necessary.

 

[Bradbendr]

Dave lin is 100 % correct, if you MUST remove the clam from the rock, the only way to do it is to cut the byssus (thats the term !) as far fom the clam as possible with a sharp blade. if these threads are ripped loose, the clam will VERY LIKELY die !
Good luck !!

 

[davelin315]

I'm going to disagree with hippo, although I usually agree with him. By hammering at the rock, you are not only stressing out your calm, but taking the chance that you will rip its flesh and injure it. Also, it shouldn't be out of the water for that long to break the rock up and also to file the rough edges. If the clam were more firmly attached, it wouldn't be a big deal, but clams don't attach firmly enough to not get jostled when you break the rock with a hammer. Also, the action of hammering at the rock could tear the clam off the rock. If you can move the anemone, do it, otherwise slowly cut the filaments as I suggested. DO IT MY WAY OR ELSE!