Found clam in tank! How did this happen?

[Tyler Miceli]

So I ve had a huge gha problem the past few months and its starting to go away. Finally observed my tank for the first time in a while and noticed what looked to be a clam in my tank. Very confused how that could be possible, so I reached in and touched it and its definitely a clam! How could this have happened, havent added anything to tank in about a year.

 

[tripdad]

Did you buy the rock with zoanthids already on it? I have seen rocks from overseas with many life forms on them including the zoanthids and clams.

 

[Tyler Miceli]

The live rock has been in the tank for two years, the zoas I bought at my lfs. Was a frag but has grown significantly since I bought it almost a year ago

 

[Tyler Miceli]

I guess the surprising thing for me is I figured I would've seen it by now for it being about an inch and a half long

 

[tripdad]

Well it made it in to your tank as a very small specimen and as they grow they excrete a substance that dissolves the rock so they can burrow down into it. As it grows it will continue to try and keep itself mostly buried in the rock.

 

[Tyler Miceli]

Well it made it in to your tank as a very small specimen and as they grow they excrete a substance that dissolves the rock so they can burrow down into it. As it grows it will continue to try and keep itself mostly buried in the rock.

Thanks for the input!

 

[G Santana]

Hitchhikers

 

[Tyler Miceli]

Hitchhikers

Only possible way, just surprised I didn't see it sooner

 

[G Santana]

Just be glad you have stable water parameters that allowed him to thrive!
Cheers!!!