Can a shrimp over clean a clam??? pics added

[dnorton1978]

My cleaner shrimp keeps cleaning my clam, and now my clam keeps closing up. Is this type of behavoir normal? All my water levels are fine, I have studied the tank froma far and have not witnessed any fish picking at it.

Any suggestions?

I will also check old post for the information as well..(greenighs)LOL

 

[Unarce]

It's usually a sign that the clam's health is declining, when a shrimp is constantly hanging around and poking into the inner mantle, exhalant, and inhalant.

Can you get us a pic of the clam?

 

[Len]

Yup, this happens to me too when clams aren't doing so well. Otherwise the shrimps leave it alone. Sometimes dips work to correct the problem, but I find most of the time there's not much you can do There's some nasty clam diseases in recent years (i've had mass clam wipeouts)

 

[Anonymous]

No. However, a shrimp can harass a clam to death. :?

 

[dnorton1978]

http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.p ... highlight= This is what he looked like, i will get an updated pic tonight or tomorrow.

Does not sound good though. From what I learned this type of clam does not require high light, could i have done something wrong?

 

[Unarce]

Derasa are considered to be the hardiest along with Hippopus. Still, they are susceptible to afflictions like pinched mantle, which is very common. Less common are pyramid snail attacks.

Get a pic as soon as you can.

 

[dnorton1978]

Here are two pics from tonight.

 

[Unarce]

This could very well be pinched mantle, or irritation from a bite. The clams extension is still very good, so it's likely healthy enough to make it through a 20-30 minute FW dip.

Research a bit on pinched mantle "PM", and see if starts to exhibit similar symptons. Like if the mantle begins to fold over.

 

[dnorton1978]

thank you i sure will.

 

[dnorton1978]

From what I just read it sounds like the sooner the better for the freshwater dip. I am just wondering if you have personally done this before and if so how did it work for you??

 

[dnorton1978]

ANY other quick feedback.
I am going to do the dip, but wanted some other feedback.

 

[dnorton1978]

Currently doing the dip(fingers crossed)

I read a few sites and it all pointed to the importance of not waiting to long dip it while healthy and everything should work out.

 

[Unarce]

I've done it about 8 times myself. All were successfull. Just be sure the temp is the same. I don't really worry too much about PH, honestly, but I do use the same water I do for mixing salt.

Now, don't be discouraged if it doesn't work the first time. I've actually had to do it 4 times for a maxima in 5 day intervals.

Just take things one step at a time.

 

[dnorton1978]

Thank you. DIp # 1 is complete.
I will re-evalute tomorrow morning. How long should I give it before i assume it did not work. If in 2 days it is still pinched should I re - dip?

Thanks again.

 

[Unarce]

FW dips are stressful, so I'd give it at least 4 days inbetween if you feel you need to do it again.

With a derasa, though, I think one shot is all it'll take :wink:

 

[dnorton1978]

Thanks U.. :wink:

 

[dnorton1978]

As of this morning there is more of the pinched mantle look on the clam. Althought the lights have not kicked on yet, i am still a bit concerned.

Is it normal for this the next day after a dip?

 

[dnorton1978]

I BE DA%$#@!!

Well all the light are on, and the clam is saved!!

His mantle is back to normal.

I'd like to give a shot out to UNARCE for the help.. :wink: