Need Help with New Clam!

Reaper · Aug 2, 2013

I just got a new clam.

He is very small.

I set him down on a rock for a short bit. I know not smart but it was not long at all.

After clearing the spot I wanted to put him I picked him up and put him in the new spot.

There was the slightest tug then I picked him up and when I mean slight, I mean almost imperceptibly.

Either way I put him in his new spot and he opened up beautifully.

BUT 5 min later I see my hermits fighting over some food I did NOT put in the tank.

This is definitely this little guys foot.

He looks great now but I am VERY worried.

Will he just die off??

Please see the attached pictures.

ohio reefer · Aug 2, 2013

Just leave it be. My maxima did the same when unplaced him in my tank. They do this when stressed.

Reaper · Aug 2, 2013

Oh thank God!

I was really worried.

I put him on the sand after it happened. I lifted him up just prior to reading this post to see if there was any foot left.

He does have a small foot left it's just not stringy.

I will leave him be and feed him.

Thank you for your reply!!!

Reaper · Aug 2, 2013

Oh thank God! I was really worried. I put him on the sand after it happened.  I lifted him up just prior to reading this post to see if there was any foot left. He does have a small foot left it's just not stringy. I will leave him be and feed him. Thank you for your reply!!!

Reaper · Aug 2, 2013

Not sure what happened to my reply sorry about all the 's I dont know what those are.

I meant to post

Oh thank God! I was really worried.
I put him on the sand right after it happened. I lifted him up just prior to reading this post to see if there was any foot left. The good news is that he does have a small foot left it's just not stringy.

I will leave him be and feed him.

Thank you for your reply!!!

Mike J. · Aug 2, 2013

Well, clams grow new byssus threads, so that not a big deal. I would put it where you want it to be permanently before it extends it's foot through the sand and attaches to the bottom of the tank. (been there) Then you'll have to detach it again. Doing that too many times in a short period will surely harm the clam. What do mean by "feed him"? Phytoplankton? Most clams do well in a reef tank without being directly fed.

Reaper · Aug 3, 2013

I am so appreciative of all the replies. Thank you!

I have a 4 in sand bed and he is an extremely time clam so I hope he will not get his foot through my sand bed tonight.

Tomorrow I am hoping to get him to attach to a shell or small piece of live rock, that way I am move him around if need be.

I bought him the Live phytoplankton (the bottle with the black top). I did it when I injured him. I guess I was just thinking I would try to nurse him back to better health before I let the reef feed him.

Thank you all for the helpful replies. I hope I can return the favor on a different topic.