- Stable Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium levels are essential for long-term survival.
- Highest lighting demand of common giant clams
- Naturally bores into rock
- Requires secure rock placement
- More sensitive to instability
- Strong preference for mature reef systems
Choose the Right Giant Clam for Your System
| Species | Placement | Light | Distinct Feature | Care Differences | Shell Structure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crocea | Rock | Very High | Boring Clam that embeds into rock | Highest Light Demand | Rock-Boring Shell |
| Maxima | Rock | High | Colorful Mantle | Strong Lighting + Rock Attachment | Deeply Ribbed Shell |
| Deresa | Sand | Moderate-High | Fast Growth | Hardiest/Sand Dwelling | Smooth Broad Shell |
| Squamosa | Sand | Moderate-High | Flared Scutes | Large Shell with Flared Scutes | Flared Scuted Shell |
All About Clams....
Crocea
Care Guide
Structure
Crocea clams have relatively compact shells with strong ribbing and an enlarged byssal opening adapted for boring into limestone and reef rock. Unlike most other giant clams, Crocea clams naturally embed themselves deeply into hard substrates, often leaving only the colorful mantle exposed. Their shells are typically smaller, denser, and specialized for permanent rock attachment in high-light shallow reef zones.
Maxima
Care Guide
- Stable Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium levels are essential for long-term survival.
- Requires strong lighting
- Prefers rock placement
- Attaches securely using byssal threads
- Moderate flow
- Sensitive to unstable water chemistry
Structure
Maxima clams have thick, heavy shells with deep vertical ribbing and pronounced folds along the shell margins. Their shells are generally more compact and heavily sculpted than Derasa clams, helping them withstand strong reef environments in shallow rocky habitats. Maxima clams attach firmly to rock surfaces using strong byssal threads and typically develop narrower shell openings with highly folded mantle edges.
Deresa
Care Guide
- Stable Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium levels are essential for long-term survival.
- Generally considered one of the hardiest giant clams
- Prefers sand bed placement
- Moderate to high lighting
- Fast grower
- More forgiving than Maxima or Crocea
Structure
Derasa clams have broad, elongated shells with relatively smooth surfaces and minimal scute development compared to other giant clam species. Their shell margins are less heavily folded, allowing for wide mantle extension and rapid growth. Because Derasa clams naturally inhabit sandy lagoon and reef flat environments, their shells are adapted more for stable resting on substrate than firm rock attachment.
Squamosa
Care Guide
- Stable Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium levels are essential for long-term survival.
- Sand bed or rubble placement
- Moderate to high lighting
- Distinctive flared shell scutes
- Can grow very large
- Generally hardy once established
Structure
Squamosa clams are best known for their dramatic flared shell scutes, or scale-like projections, which give the species its distinctive textured appearance. Their shells are large, thick, and heavily structured with deep folds and pronounced shell ornamentation. These flared scutes help differentiate Squamosa clams from smoother species such as Derasa and contribute to their bold, highly recognizable appearance in reef aquariums.
“Giant clams are one of the best indicators of a stable, healthy reef aquarium. When provided with proper lighting, water quality, and nutrition, they reward reef keepers with incredible coloration, growth, and natural reef beauty.”
— Dr. Mac, Pacific East Aquaculture
A Day in the Life of a Clam Farmer
Dr. Mac Measuring
Clams Before Selecting
Clams Before Selecting
Maxima in the Wild
Spawning Station
Tending Broodstock
Amazing Color!
Anatomy of a Maxima Clam - Tridacna maxima
The Giant Clam of the Reef
Wild Collected Tridacna Clam Pest: Pyramid Snails
Overview
Pryamid Snails
(Pyramidellidae)
(Pyramidellidae)
Pyramid snails are small predatory gastropods that bore into the soft mantle tissue of Tridacna clams.
They create tiny holes, causing irritation, stress, and secondary infections.
Heavy infestations can weaken clams, reduce growth and even lead to death.
Heavy infestations can weaken clams, reduce growth and even lead to death.
Damage and
Effects
- Bores into mantle tissue, leaving small holes.
- Causes irritation, stress, and clam gaping
- Increases susceptibility to bacterial infections.
- Reduces growth, condition, and coloration.
- Heavy infestations can lead to mortality.
Life Cycle
Management &
Control
Manual Removal
Inspect clams regularly and remove snails by hand.
Good Husbandry
Maintain excellent water quality, reduce stress, and ensure proper nutrition.
Quarantine
Quarantine new clams and inspect before stocking.
Inspect clams regularly and remove snails by hand.
Good Husbandry
Maintain excellent water quality, reduce stress, and ensure proper nutrition.
Quarantine
Quarantine new clams and inspect before stocking.
Early detection and regular monitoring are essential to prevent
pyramid snail outbreaks and protect Tridacna clams.
pyramid snail outbreaks and protect Tridacna clams.
Don’t Forget these Essentials:
Order FAQs
About Our Facility
Q: Are your corals aquacultured?
A: Yes. Many of our corals are grown in our Maryland Certified & Licensed Coral Aquaculture Facility.
Q: Why choose aquacultured corals?
A: Aquacultured corals are:
- More sustainable
- Better adapted to aquarium life
- Typically hardier than wild specimens
- More sustainable
- Better adapted to aquarium life
- Typically hardier than wild specimens
Q: Who selects and grows your corals?
A: Our corals are grown and curated by Dr. Mac a Board Certified Veterinary Pathologist with decades of hands-on reef experience.
Ordering & Shipping
Q: What does WYSIWYG mean?
A: “What You See Is What You Get.” The exact coral shown in the photo is the one you will receive.
Q: Can I request a specific color or variation?
A: For WYSIWYG items, what’s pictured is what you get. For non-WYSIWYG items, we do our best to match color and size, but natural variation occurs.
Q: Can I combine multiple orders to save on shipping?
A: Yes—contact us before shipping and we’ll consolidate when possible.
Q: How are corals and fish shipped safely?
A: We use insulated boxes, temperature control (heat/cold packs), and overnight delivery to ensure safe arrival.
Q: What days do you ship?
A: Typically Monday–Wednesday to avoid weekend delays.
Q: Do I need to be home for delivery?
A: Yes—someone should be available to receive livestock immediately.
Q: What if my coral or fish arrives dead (DOA)?
A: Contact us within a specified timeframe (e.g., 2 hours) with clear photos, and we will resolve it quickly.
Q: What voids the guarantee?
A: Missed deliveries, improper acclimation, or delays beyond our control.
Live Arrival Guarantee
Q: What if my coral or fish arrives dead (DOA)?
A: Contact us within a specified timeframe (e.g., 2 hours) with clear photos, and we will resolve it quickly.
Q: What voids the guarantee?
A: Missed deliveries, improper acclimation, or delays beyond our control.
Acclimation & First 24 Hours
Q: How do I acclimate new livestock?
A: Float to match temperature, then drip acclimate before placing in tank.
Q: Should I dip corals before adding them?
A: Yes but be careful, coral dips help prevent pests but use caution. Certain corals might benefit from a short quarantine period instead of a dip so as to further stressing them.
Q: Why does my coral look closed or stressed?
A: This is normal after shipping—most corals open within 24–72 hours.
A: Float to match temperature, then drip acclimate before placing in tank.
Q: Should I dip corals before adding them?
A: Yes but be careful, coral dips help prevent pests but use caution. Certain corals might benefit from a short quarantine period instead of a dip so as to further stressing them.
Q: Why does my coral look closed or stressed?
A: This is normal after shipping—most corals open within 24–72 hours.
Aquarium Setup & Compatibility
Q: Where should I place my coral in the tank?
A: Placement depends on the coral type (LPS, SPS, soft). Lighting and flow requirements vary—check each product description.
Q: Can different corals touch each other?
A: Many corals have sweeper tentacles and can sting neighbors. Always allow space.
Q: How fast will my coral grow?
A: Growth depends on species, lighting, water quality, and feeding.
Beautiful Reefs Begin Here....
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