The Blue Scaly Clam (Tridacna squamosa) is a popular choice among marine aquarists seeking a visually impressive and reef-compatible invertebrate. Known for its vibrant blue mantle and characteristic scaly shell edges, this clam can grow to a substantial size in the wild but is available here as a 7cm specimen, suitable for established reef tanks.
Care Level: Moderate. Requires stable water parameters and adequate lighting.
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic through symbiotic zooxanthellae, but benefits from supplemental feeding of phytoplankton or specialised clam foods to promote growth and health.
Compatibility: Reef safe with caution; avoid housing with aggressive fish or invertebrates that may nip at the mantle. Suitable for mature reef systems with stable conditions.
Lighting: High-intensity lighting is essential to support the clam’s symbiotic algae. LED or T5 lighting systems with strong PAR values are recommended.
Water Flow: Moderate water flow is ideal to prevent sediment accumulation on the clam’s mantle while avoiding direct strong currents that can cause stress.
Placement: Position on a stable, hard substrate such as live rock in a well-lit area of the aquarium. Ensure the clam is secure and not prone to falling or being dislodged.
Tank Size: Minimum 100 litres recommended to provide adequate space and stable water quality.
Regular water testing and maintenance are crucial to maintain optimal calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels to support shell growth. Avoid sudden changes in water chemistry or temperature.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.