Maxima Dying

[Huskymaniac]

Have had for a few years. Looked great and has new shell growth. No idea what happened.

 

[KrisReef]

Is it possible to remove it to examine the foot? Maybe a predator is working at the bottom?
Hope it recovers.

@OrionN

 

[Huskymaniac]

Is it possible to remove it to examine the foot? Maybe a predator is working at the bottom?
Hope it recovers.

@OrionN

I haven't added anything to that would bring in a predator. It's been in the tank for few years and it is attached to a rock so didn't want to remove it and make it worse.

 

[Huskymaniac]

So this is what the clam looks like this morning with the lights off. It's exhalant siphon is crinkled so I do not believe it is filtering water. I do have a starry blenny and There are some reports of them going after mantles like tangs. That would explain the close during the day and open at night. Issue is the blenny has never even pecked at the clam shell before and I watched the tank from a distance yesterday and the didn't see the blenny nip at the clam. Also From my experience clams that are being nipped look open but the mantle doesn't extend past the shell margin. This looked really different.

Another option is I broadcast fed VRO yesterday yesterday. Is it possible the clam inhaled a lot.of small particles of food causing it to close?

Third option is the day before I did a water change, added fresh carbon, and changed one of my t5 bulbs. Was the clam stressed from.the clearer water and brighter light? I have never had that happen.

I will spending a nice portion of today watching the clam from a distance to see how it does.

 

[DeniseAndy]

So sorry to hear about the clam. If you can, get it higher in the tank away from all that can sting or annoy it. May recover with good light therapy.

 

[kevgib67]

@OrionN

 

[OrionN]

I hope it just PO from the various changes you did and recover quickly for you.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

is it possibly being stung by something?
Is it able to properly open and close? (lots going on around the clam)

 

[vetteguy53081]

Have had for a few years. Looked great and has new shell growth. No idea what happened.

This is smothered by other coral in its area but looks more upset than dying. Can you post pic when you get a chance with white lighting?

 

[Huskymaniac]

Here is what the clam looks like with the lights off. Whatever is going on looks like it has something to do with the lights being on. Has to be one of the 3 options I mentioned above.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Here is what the clam looks like with the lights off. Whatever is going on looks like it has something to do with the lights being on. Has to be one of the 3 options I mentioned above.

Not a sign of dying, at least yet. Depending on type of light, it may be producing heat that raises temperature. With light, maxima clams also need light and lots of it which promotes photosynthesis carried out by the zooxanthellae inside their mantle. Without proper light, any clam will starve. The more colorful the clam, generally the more light it needs, which makes this strange. Other factors are changes in temperature, oxygen levels, pH, or alkalinity which can make your maxima unhappy.

 

[minus9]

It just looks like something bothered it and it's just PO'd. Give it some time and keep an eye on it. Growth looks good, so just monitor for now.

 

[Huskymaniac]

The clam looked great all day. Just checked on it again and it is completely shut again. Watching the tank and not seeing anyone picking on the mantle that is exposed. So strange.

 

[Huskymaniac]

Lights are dimming for the night and the clam is back open. Must have something g to do with the carbon and changing the t5 bulbs.

 

[Huskymaniac]

Clam with lights just turning on.

 

[Huskymaniac]

Clam at 3:20

 

[Huskymaniac]

Clam at 5:22

 

[Huskymaniac]

Clam back to normal.