clam gaping

[docwells]

i have a 4-5 inch maxima clam that is now gaping. i have tried rubber banding the area to keep the area closed but it keeps tha clam from opening. does anyone have any experience or sugestions on how to solve this problem and save my clam.

 

[Carpentersreef]

If it's not getting enough light, it will open real wide to accommodate. What's your set-up and history with the clam?

Mitch

[ December 15, 2001: Message edited by: Carpentersreef ]</p>

 

[docwells]

i have had this clam for approximately 6 weeks. i also have 4 other clams ( crocea, maximas, and deresa)which are doing fine. i have plenty of light as i have a 400watt metal halide over a 46 gallon bow front tank. i feed phytoplankton 2-3 times per week. i've never had this happen before and i want to try and save this clam

 

[Carpentersreef]

Sorry, I don't know, then...
Have you checked the overall physical condition of the clam? Mantle bleached? Worm holes? Byssal gland condition? Your water params are good? Is there much of a difference from the prior conditions that the clam was kept under?
If your other clams are doing well.....

Mitch

 

[docwells]

my water parmeters are fine. the clam looks healthy except for the gaping. byssal gland fine. no sign of parasites. is there a way to correct the gaping besides rubber bands? is gluing the gaping area possible?

 

[KenH]

Docwells,
Perhaps I am misreading your posts. The term gaping generally is applied to clams that open their shells very wide with little mantle extension. The mantle tissue tends to appear like it is flaccid. Gaping is caused by a clam being in poor health and cannot be corrected by rubberbands or glue. Usually a gaping clam does not get healthy again.

--- Ken

 

[docwells]

my definition of clam gaping is the same as yours. i was posting to see if anyone had any experience with a clam recovering and how they did it. i have read about rubber banding and gluing the shell where it had split to help the clam along with trying to put it in a better position in the tank. i just hate to see my clam die without trying to find a way to help it.