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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: Crocea 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 a Giant Clam. The algae, in turn, feed the clam. This species requires stronger illumination than the other Tridacna species. Juveniles may require more phytoplankton feedings than adults.