Is this pinched mantle?

[RobMcC]

Hey folks,

I’m pretty sure this is pitched mantle, but not entirely sure, as although I’ve kept clams for over a decade, I’ve never had pinched mantle syndrome. There have been no new clams introduced to the tank this year, so I’m not sure how this could have been introduced. Before I do a fresh water dip on this beautiful and very fast growing gigas, I’d appreciate a second opinion. Thoughts, folks?

I noticed the start of the pinch about 10 days ago, but it looked bad today. There appears to be ‘cheesy strings’ coming from the recession some times. I really don’t want to lose this clam. I got it about 17 months ago at about 1.5” (it was smaller than the three crocea next to it, which have also grown in that time.
Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[OrionN]

No. That is Mantle injury. Looks like it is recovering.

 

[RobMcC]

Interesting. Not sure how it could have been injured. How sure are you?

 

[OrionN]

It does not have to be physical injury. I hope it get better for you. PMD does not look like that.

 

[RobMcC]

It does not have to be physical injury. I hope it get better for you. PMD does not look like that.

Thanks

 

[OrionN]

So how is the clam today. Better I hope.

 

[RobMcC]

So how is the clam today. Better I hope.

Yes and no. The gigas did completely recover, but one of the fish must be attacking the clams, as the Croceas are now being similarly being picked on. As they’re smaller, they are not coping. I still haven’t seen which fish is doing it...

 

[Mr_Knightley]

Yes and no. The gigas did completely recover, but one of the fish must be attacking the clams, as the Croceas are now being similarly being picked on. As they’re smaller, they are not coping. I still haven’t seen which fish is doing it...

My money is on your Copperband.

 

[RobMcC]

My money is on your Copperband.

Pretty sure it’s not the copperband. I’ve narrowed it down to either my powder blue or my whitetail tang, as if I keep a clip of nori permanently in the tank then the clams are left alone. I know CB can have a rep for eating clams though. I’ve been lucky. This is my third over the last 12 years or so. LPS can often be on the menu before clams.