Tridacna maxima

(Roding, 1798)

Maxima Clam, Rugose Clam

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Red Sea to Tonga and Pitcairn Island.

Size: 16 inches (40 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow coral reef tops to depths of about 50 feet (15 m).

General Husbandry: Moderately fluted with a smooth base. Intense mantle colors, e.g., fluorescent purple, blue, green, pink, or combination there of. Can actually bore into the substrate. Needs to be placed on hard substrates.

They are also filter feeders and almost constantly filter the water for small particulates. Small specimens, < 2 - 3 inches can be fed a phytoplankton or greenwater supplement at least three times per week, which may encourage their growth. Larger specimens will do extremely well without any additional feedings.

So as not to repeat some of the Introduction to this section, review it for more for information on their aquarium husbandry.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Mollusca

Class: Bivalvia

Subclass: Heterodonta

Order: Cardiida

Superfamily: Cardioidea

Family: Cardiidae

Subfamily: Tridacinae

Genus: Tridacna

FYI: Mariculture stock available.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Diet: Photosynthetic/Omnivore

Temperament: Peaceful

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately difficult

Calcium (Ca): 380 - 430 mg/l

Alkalinity: 2.5 - 3.0 meq/l

Phosphate (PO4): <0.05 mg/l

Magnesium (Mg): approx. 1350 mg/l (relate to specific gravity)

Temperature Range: 72 - 83°F (22 - 28°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Lighting: PAR 450+

Water Movement: WM 2

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4

Iodine/Trace Elements Monitor/as necessary to maintain quality seawater.