Do you clean T.maxima shells?

[Powder Blue]

I just got some 1" maximas and there seems to be some spiral tube growth on the shells. Maybe some type of worm, 1mm thick tube. Should I just clean everything off the clams? Thanks

 

[davelin315]

Unless it's a detrimental parasite, leave it be. If the clam doesn't mind, neither should you. Worms tend to not be a problem if they are calcerous and build their own home. Only worry if it is a boring worm and drilling its way into your clam, then scrape it off. From the description, sounds harmless.

 

[Humilis]

I may add:

Look for small tiny white snails around the mantel and their clear jelly with white spots eggs. These snails do harm the mantel and weaken the calm to death.

 

[DKKA]

Don't clean it unless something is causing it to seriously retract over a period of time. FWIW, I lost a Maxima that I'd had for a long time because I tried to remove a worm that was irritating the mantle. My big clumsy hands knocked the clam off his perch and for some reason after that he refused to reattach and eventually died.
Dan