Dying squamosa clam?

starrynight99 · Oct 9, 2023

Hi everyone, I think my squamosa clam is on the way out. It no longer responds to light and its gaping, mantle retracted. It occassionally is still able to open and close it's shell slightly.

My question is, how do I know if it has died? What would it look like? I am concerned that if it's left in there dead or dying that it would affect the water quality and other live stock. thanks

Reefahholic · Oct 9, 2023

@OrionN might be able to help.

starrynight99 · Oct 9, 2023

Is it possible that there is a pest inside? I can see something inside that is clear with black dots and could be a crab or a shrimp?

Macdaddynick1 · Oct 9, 2023

It’s still alive and super unhappy. Anyone with a stable tank that you can give it to? They die fast when unhappy, but could probably still be saved. Shrimp inside should be ok if it’s a clam shrimp. Do you have a ton of flow hitting the clam from the direction of the syphon?

minus9 · Oct 10, 2023

Those are the gills. I don't see any new shell growth. How long have you had this clam? What light intensity are you keeping it under and how long of a photo period? The upper margin of the shell should be stark white on the outside.

OrionN · Oct 11, 2023

That clam have not been well for a long time. I would work on getting water quality up to par by change a lot of water. Mike sure the light is adequate for Squamosa.

starrynight99 · Oct 11, 2023

Thanks everyone. The clam didn’t make it, it looked even more retracted and unresponsive and was detaching from the shell.
We got the clam 2 weeks ago and I thought it seemed well in store. It was responsive to light. I’ve learnt a few things to look out for next time.