Crocea Clam

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the tropical Indo-Pacific. It is found boring into coral rocks on shallow, sunlit reef flats.

Taxonomy: Member of the family Cardiidae. The smallest of the giant clams, reaching up to 15.0 cm. It has a heavy, thick shell with smooth waves.

Social Behavior: Sessile and solitary. It attaches firmly to rocks using its byssus gland and spreads its colorful mantle to receive light.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Exquisite mantle coloration ranging from bright blues and greens to gold and purple patterns. Hermaphroditic; no sexual dimorphism.

Tank Setup: Demands a mature reef tank with high-intensity lighting (such as strong LEDs). Position on live rock high up in the tank.

Diet and Feeding: Photosynthetic. Relies mostly on symbiotic zooxanthellae. It also filters dissolved organic nutrients and phytoplankton from the water.

Water Quality: Demands stable parameters. High calcium (420-450 ppm), magnesium (1300-1350 ppm), and stable alkalinity (8-12 dKH). Salinity SG 1.023-1.025.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Reef-safe. Keep away from nip-prone fish like angels, butterflies, or aggressive blennies that target the mantle.

Aquarium Breeding: Very difficult in home systems. Commercial propagation uses specialized aquaculture setups.

Risks and Diseases: Vulnerable to parasitic pyramidellid snails, pinched mantle syndrome, and sudden shifts in lighting intensity.