Can Tridacna clams change shell morphs?

[blackcloudmedia]

So Ive had two beautiful T. Croceas that I had in the saltwater pond while I added the sump to my tank, however when I went to put them in the tank I noticed something strikingly peculiar. The clams had formed a lip on their shells similar to a T. Maxima. T croceas dont have the lip ridges like T Maximas of course, and this is the first lip layer to appear on the shells. I attempted to scare them closed using the algae scraper revealing their lip.

I added notes to the pictures showing how for the first year or two (guessing age of them) there have been no lips formed. Unlike the T.Maxima which forms lips from the get go.

So the question is, are Tridacna clams knowns to do this?

 

[Anonymous]

>... are Tridacna clams knowns to do this?

Yes. Derasa, maximum, gigas, and crocea forms flanges like the one you labeled "Ridges" above. It is formed by the mantle, and if they are doing well, they like to have something to rest on like the rest of the mantle. If you look at where the mantle extend, it is touching the flanges when the clams are completely extended, so it should not be a surprise.

If you don't like the flangues, you can crowd the clams together (like in their nature habit), to prevent them from completely extended. Or you can use a stainless steel file or just simily nip it away (it is very fragile)

 

[blackcloudmedia]

Oh cool. THanks Dupaboy I didnt know they did this. No I wont remove them, whatever they want to do its fine with me lol.

 

[Ben1]

If your into clams an excellent book is,

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant ... Code=Books

Its by James Fatherree and a good well written read.