Derasa Clam closed and wont open

[slythy]

I have had this clam for a few years probably 5" or so it is always fully extended until 2 days ago. Yesterday I checked to see if it was dead but it closed tighter when I checked. I have a small maxima in the tank as well thats still fully open so I dont think its my fish bothering it. Only thing I did recently was add trace elements based on my ICP report.

Any ideas how long it can stay closed before it dies? It doesnt have a foot tied to the rock like my maximas, but it never has...

Thanks,

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Pictures will help! Is it completely clammed shut? The clams natural position is to be open, it takes a lot of energy for a clam to shut. The longer it stays shut, the more energy it loses and not able to regain the energy since the mantle is not out. Does it have new shell growth? Again, please post some pics, thanks.

 

[slythy]

Pictures will help! Is it completely clammed shut? The clams natural position is to be open, it takes a lot of energy for a clam to shut. The longer it stays shut, the more energy it loses and not able to regain the energy since the mantle is not out. Does it have new shell growth? Again, please post some pics, thanks.

He’s normally fully extended and quite poofy but last day or 2 its been like this.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

@minus9 may have some insight

 

[minus9]

Based on that picture I don’t see any new growth on the shell. Have you ruled out pests? Pyramid snails? How long has the other clam (maxima?) been in there?

 

[slythy]

Based on that picture I don’t see any new growth on the shell. Have you ruled out pests? Pyramid snails? How long has the other clam (maxima?) been in there?

It died the other night. The fish/cleanup crew completely devoured it, its a clean shell.

I havent added anything really for a few months. Maxima was purchased same time. Still happy

 

[minus9]

Sorry to hear, but I'm not surprised. It looks like it was starving.

 

[slythy]

Sorry to hear, but I'm not surprised. It looks like it was starving.

its got tons of light as well as it grew in the same spot from 2” to about 5-6. There is some phyto in there as well as it gets frozen food everyday.

A week ago it was wide open and fluffy so not sure why it all the sudden it shrunk and closed up. Maxima is still wide open

 

[minus9]

its got tons of light as well as it grew in the same spot from 2” to about 5-6. There is some phyto in there as well as it gets frozen food everyday.

A week ago it was wide open and fluffy so not sure why it all the sudden it shrunk and closed up. Maxima is still wide open

I’m sure the mantle seemed fine, but the shell tells a different story. If there’s no growth on the shell, then it’s just a matter of time. Make sure you check the maxima to see if it has shell growth.