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Invertebrates |  |
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia
Range: Red Sea, Indian and Pacific Oceans
Size: 15 in. Space:: 100+ gal. Diet: Zooxanthellae microplankton
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful
Natural History: Maxima 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: Maxima clams need strong light to feed their zooxanthellae. The algae, in turn, feed the clam. Juveniles of this species may require phytoplankton feedings.