French Polynesian Maxima's survivability, what is your findings?

[skinz78]

I just lost my second French Poly Maxima, I have lost 2 out of the 3 that I have owned. This makes me wonder what everyone's findings on survivability rates with these clams? I've kinda been hearing through the interwebs that people are loosing quite a few of them. Lets put this to a poll and see what everyone is finding.

 

[Alpha Aquaculture]

Good idea! Lets figure out whats happening. It starts with awareness for sure. I think it would help if you posted some general pics of the patterns and look of these clams so people might be able to identify theirs as a French Polynesian Maxima.

 

[FishLipz]

I had all three of mine die unexpectedly. One came from my LFS and two came from a reputable vendor onine. My ORA cultured maxima looks awesome still.

 

[Bouncingsoul39]

We got five or six of them at the LFS I was working at and I remember only two of them making it. It was a major loss. A couple had pinched mantel, a couple bleached and dissolved within a few days in excellent water quality, stable params, under halides.

 

[swannyson7]

I only tried one, but it ended up dying. It lasted for about 2 months and then for seemingly no reason, I woke up to an empty shell. It never showed any signs of PM and all other clams were fine, so your guess is as good as mine as to what happened.

 

[Dave3112]

I have had mine since May and it's still doing well. How long did y'all have yours before you started losing them?

 

[Gonzo]

I like to refer to them as time bombs

 

[FishLipz]

One I had for a few months, the other two lasted just over a year

 

[Dave3112]

CRAP!!!! One more thing to be worried about. LOL

 

[skinz78]

Good idea! Lets figure out whats happening. It starts with awareness for sure. I think it would help if you posted some general pics of the patterns and look of these clams so people might be able to identify theirs as a French Polynesian Maxima.

They are the Maxima's that are being sold currently that are generally big and range from 4" to 7". They are usually blue but I have seen some really wild patterns with them. They are great looking clams for sure.

I had all three of mine die unexpectedly. One came from my LFS and two came from a reputable vendor onine. My ORA cultured maxima looks awesome still.

Mine both died unexpectedly too, no signs of stress from fish or inverts.

I only tried one, but it ended up dying. It lasted for about 2 months and then for seemingly no reason, I woke up to an empty shell. It never showed any signs of PM and all other clams were fine, so your guess is as good as mine as to what happened.

Mine died the same way last night.

I have had mine since May and it's still doing well. How long did y'all have yours before you started losing them?

Mine both lasted about 3 to 4 months.

I like to refer to them as time bombs

I'm starting to think the same thing. Which is totally weird to me because you would think the larger Maxima's would have a greater survivability rate.

 

[Dave3112]

I'm gonna be keeping an eye on it. I have it at the very top of my tank about 10" under a 14k phoenix almost dead center. It seems to be doing great and growing since I got it.

 

[fishypets]

I had this bad boy for six months or more and it was doing great. One day I came home and it was crab food! Sucked to be me that day.

 

[Dave3112]

That does suck. Mine looks almost exactly like that from the top down. I hope it survives.......

 

[Acropora52]

I have 1 that has looked like crap for about a month, with intermittent pinched mantle. Really don't understand what's going on with it. Got it from Pacific East (Dr. Mac's). Really pretty clam measuring about 5". Crappy thing is that my other clam from there (a 2" guy that I've had for about a year), also started looking bad.

Water parameters check out; no pests; no changes in position. Still haven't lost them but they definitely don't look good.

 

[skinz78]

Just curious what fish and inverts do you have?

I have 1 that has looked like crap for about a month, with intermittent pinched mantle. Really don't understand what's going on with it. Got it from Pacific East (Dr. Mac's). Really pretty clam measuring about 5". Crappy thing is that my other clam from there (a 2" guy that I've had for about a year), also started looking bad.

Water parameters check out; no pests; no changes in position. Still haven't lost them but they definitely don't look good.

 

[Acropora52]

No worrisome inverts. Few scarlet and blue leg hermits. Cleaner shrimp.

No angels or butterflies currently. Nothing that would pick on a clam.

 

[Saltgator]

Bump. Looking to get a few clams, but looking for any further info before I purchase a possible issue. Thanks

 

[flyfish4trout]

I've had mine for almost a year, I got it in a trade with another reefer that had it for just over a year.

 

[Snprhed]

Chris, my experience was the same. 3-4 months then pretty suddenly turned for the worse and was gone. I am currently seated firmly on the edge of the clam pool waiting to see where things go with them. I love the clams but its not worth killing them or spending the money on something that wont survive.

I thought the Mari-culture in palau really took of several years ago? Thought we'd see a big indopacific resurgence, or at least a steady sustainable influx.

 

[xmetalfan99]

My friend and I bought a total of three at a swap from Dr. Mac. His died about 5 months after the swap. One of my 2 died a month after his. Making our survive ability percentage 33%. I will not be buying any more french poly clams.