Clam advice pls!! bring nipped at

[faiz_latif]

So my clam was nipped at by a rouge chromis. Who has since met the concrete… jk he’s in the sump. However he seems to have done a number on the clam. It is still responsive to light and actively extending however I’m worried/curious about supporting its recovery. There is mucus secreted from the wounded area however not a large amount like a slimer or something like that. Additionally I’m weary of the other chromis, what are the chances they start off? The one removed was skinny and looked to be hiding behind the clam and nipping at it. I think it may have been due to lower feedings (I’ve bought an auto feeder to make sure they’re well fed). I’ve attached photos of the clam nipped at and when it was happy. The unhappy photos are before the chromis was removed and now after the chromis is out and it’s not being pestered. The happy photo was from a few months ago.

Lots of writing but I hope the detail helps thanks guys.

 

[fish_collector]

Your clam is fine, if it has good mantle extension it means it is open for business.

 

[DSC reef]

Mantle looks fine but I'm not seeing much new white growth which is really the only way to tell a clam is growing and is healthy, mantle extension alone will not. If the clam starts having problems I wouldn't solely blame the chromis. Also, many fish are attracted to the thin mucus layers tridacna can produce, even the most reef safe fish can't resist a nibble time to time. My purple tang and even my maroon clownfish that lived in my large squamosa would nibble here and there but wouldn't cause any real damage. The problem would be if a fish really tore into the mantle or constantly bit at the mantle causing the clam to constantly retract and stress it out. I hope the clam grows for many years to come, that's a beautiful Maxima you have.

 

[minus9]

I agree the clams looks fine and should recover just fine, but as mentioned, keep an eye on overall growth. As long as you're seeing new shell growth, you should be good.

 

[BryanM]

My derasa moved itself next to my ruby red xenia, which quickly attached itself to its shell... they sort of folded over to the other side shell.

Removed clam from its new friend and within a few hours it was wide open and happy.