Choosing between Derasa and Squamosa

[DeniseAndy]

Goodness. This is going on 12 years ago now. I believe it was at a swap in the area. My others have always been from lfs or a swap. I have only ever bought one online and it was a derasa. It is still going strong.

I tried babies (maximas), but they just do not last long. Every time I go away for a day or two, I lose a baby. So, I stick with 4" clams (except the derasa was closer to 2.5). My squamosa and one derasa were eaten by a red foot conch. So ticked at that.

 

[DeniseAndy]

Actually, my guy was on sand the whole life with me. Since it was so large, it did not need a rock to burrow into.

 

[shred5]

If you have a issue keeping Maxima go Derasa because they are far easier.

 

[GoPitt88]

If you have a issue keeping Maxima go Derasa because they are far easier.

But don't they grow fast, and get too big for my 55 gallon mixed reef tank?

 

[DeniseAndy]

The derasa will take time to get that large. It will be good for many years. The squammies grow super fast. IME

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

squamosa has my vote. They are my favorite clam.

 

[GoPitt88]

I thought Derasas grow faster

 

[MSB123]

I would love to find a squmosa. I am looking for a large one or a clam that can grow quickly for my 180 gallon tank. Thanks!

 

[DSC reef]

I thought Derasas grow faster

Derasa has always grown faster. Squamosa will be fine in your tank for a long time, the growth is not that fast. We kept ours for over 8 years in a 75 gallon with plenty of room to grow. Derasa is one of the largest clams out there, under the gigas I believe. I have a pic of a diver next to a derasa and it looks like it could eat the diver. Lol

 

[shred5]

But don't they grow fast, and get too big for my 55 gallon mixed reef tank?

Derasa grow faster but I kept one in a 75 for maybe 5 years and it did not out grow it.
It is by far the easier to grow clam. They both get large.
The idea is to actually keep one and learn. My first clam was a derasa.

 

[MSB123]

I’m looking for a Gigas. Anyone have one that i can buy or a source?

 

[DeniseAndy]

So weird. I started with a squammy and derasa close in size and over the course of a year and half to 2 years, the squammy was easily 10" from 3". The derasa I had for three years or so before it damaged itself was only 8-9" from 3". I guess it can depend on system. Good luck which ever you choose. I do like squammies better, but my ultimate favorite are crocea.

 

[CCK_8814]

I have 2 Maximas under Kessil A360WE’s & ATI Blue+ T5’s. The sit on the sandbed directly under lighting from the kessils. I did acclimate them to the tank over the course of a few hours however I did not light acclimate them. For the maximas you had to die that quickly I would suspect swings in parameters over light but that’s just me. I’m currently looking to add a squamosa to my tank as well. Just a matter of finding one with a color combo & pattern I like. Picture of my maximas attached. They are about 3”.

 

[Fishinwall]

I suggest to read : https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/3/inverts (Aquarium Invertebrates : On lighting for Clam by James W. Fatherree)

I’d there a more current article that includes LEDs?