Squamosa Clam

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Found throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific reefs, from East Africa and the Red Sea to Polynesia. Inhabits shallow, sunlit reef structures.

Taxonomy: Member of the Tridacnidae family, genus Tridacna. Characterized by large fluted scales (scutes) projecting from the radial ridges of its shell. Grows up to 40 cm.

Social Behavior: Sessile animal that lives anchored to rocks or resting on sandy bottoms using byssal threads. Completely passive and peaceful.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Mantello displays beautiful patterns of green, brown, blue, or gold markings. Simultaneous hermaphrodite with no sexual dimorphism.

Tank Setup: Requires a spacious and established system. Place on sand or a flat rock.

Highly intense lighting is mandatory to sustain the symbiotic algae in its mantle.

Diet and Feeding: Photosynthetic filter feeder. Derives most energy from zooxanthellae. Small specimens under 10 cm benefit from regular dosing of live phytoplankton.

Water Quality: Requires high, stable levels of calcium (400-450 ppm), magnesium (1300-1350 ppm), and alkalinity (8-10 dKH). SG 1.023-1.025, temperature 23°C-27°C, pH 8.1-8.4.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Safe with peaceful fish. Avoid tankmates known to nip at clam mantles, such as angelfish, butterflyfish, wrasses, or large predatory crabs.

Aquarium Breeding: Broadcast spawner, releasing eggs and sperm. Very complex to breed in home systems, requiring laboratory conditions and specialized aquaculture facilities.

Risks and Diseases: Highly vulnerable to parasitic pyramidellid snails and pinched mantle syndrome. Copper treatments are lethal. Extremely sensitive to rapid salinity changes.