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Invertebrates |  |
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia
Range: Red Sea, Indian and Pacific Oceans
Size: 8 in. Space:: 50+ gal. Diet: Zooxanthellae microplankton
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful
Natural History: Derasa clams are found on sandy and rocky coral reefs. They contain algae (zooxanthellae) that they receive nutrition from, so there is some debate whether they receive any significant nutrition from filter feeding. They still move water through an incurrent siphon and out through an excurrent siphon. They attach to the substrate using a byssus gland and face upward.
Husbandry: Provide strong light to feed the zooxanthellae of Derasa clams. The algae, in turn, feed the clam. Derasa is rumored to be the hardiest of the Tridacna species. Juveniles may require more phytoplankton feedings than adults.