T. noae or T. maxima? What do you guys and galls think?

[OrionN]

There are T. noae that does not have the classic teardrop, which are spots with lighter borders. The ones that I have one have classic teardrops and colored rather than tan and brown. The blue one have drops that is not classic tear drops but it is blue in color.
The old name Tridacna elongata described in the 1819 really described T. noae rather than T. maxima. If one look at the shell shape and the flutes, there is no mistaken between Maxima vs Noae. Noae are much more elongated.

Noae was described as a species before Maxima (under a different name), then lumped together with Maxima and lost its species status. Now with genetic testing, they regain their species status. I think T. noae and T. maxima are different enough genetically that they don’t hybridized. There are variation in various population of T. noae but close enough that they still consider one species.
The classic teardrop Noae were first imported to the US from VietNam in the early 2000. I imported a box back in 2002 or so. I still have a picture of some of these clams somewhere. I gave these clams to some reefers in South Texas at the time(friend of mine). And sell some at cost to other reefers. It was a fun time.

When I see these clams, I am sure they are T. noae instead of T. maxima. Because of this reason I go ahead and ordered two. I am glad I did.

 

[OrionN]

..... As somewhat of a beginner-intermediate clam keeper I think the distinct characteristic of Noae is tear drops, right?
.......

No there are Noae that do not have the classic teardrops. The population of Noae at Northwest Australia coast do not have classic teardrops

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Thanks for sharing the info, Minh. I just bought a book about clams in reef aquariums. Looking forward to learning more.

 

[OrionN]

Beautiful clams!!! IMO, those are "nonteardrop" T. noae!!!! Great find and an even better eye to ID! I just reviewed Fatherree's updated Giant clam bible. I had to buy one too! I had three in my cart but needed to exercise some self control. Deleting two was torture!!! Thanks for the notification Minh!!

Beautiful clam. I had the hardest time deciding between this clam and the one I got.

 

[minus9]

T. noae also exhibit “bumps” papillae and no teardrops. Maximas may have a few “bumps” but the ones listed on that sight all seem to be noae. Besides the mantle, the shell is the other give away. But they all exhibit papillae in great numbers, which is the big ID for me.

 

[minus9]

Sorry for the blue pic, but here’s my noae with teardrops and a few papillae sticking up.

 

[minus9]

#10 really shows the density of papillae.

 

[Mark Gray]

There are T. noae that does not have the classic teardrop, which are spots with lighter borders. The ones that I have one have classic teardrops and colored rather than tan and brown. The blue one have drops that is not classic tear drops but it is blue in color.
The old name Tridacna elongata described in the 1819 really described T. noae rather than T. maxima. If one look at the shell shape and the flutes, there is no mistaken between Maxima vs Noae. Noae are much more elongated.

Noae was described as a species before Maxima (under a different name), then lumped together with Maxima and lost its species status. Now with genetic testing, they regain their species status. I think T. noae and T. maxima are different enough genetically that they don’t hybridized. There are variation in various population of T. noae but close enough that they still consider one species.
The classic teardrop Noae were first imported to the US from VietNam in the early 2000. I imported a box back in 2002 or so. I still have a picture of some of these clams somewhere. I gave these clams to some reefers in South Texas at the time(friend of mine). And sell some at cost to other reefers. It was a fun time.

When I see these clams, I am sure they are T. noae instead of T. maxima. Because of this reason I go ahead and ordered two. I am glad I did.

I remember the clams from Vietnam I have often wondered what happened with them, but I am guessing a resort probably moved in.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Whoa, clams have eyes? Never knew or thought they did. What a good book by Fatherree.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Okay, on page 24 Fatherree writes that some Noae clams do not have any teardrops at all. I know it’s already been mentioned here but good to confirm it

 

[outerbank]

I really like corals.com for clams. They always come in healthy and the pictures and description are true to color, size and condition. Mine came in healthy Friday. I will quarantine it for a month or so.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

was thinking about buying this #6 but can’t clearly see what’s happening with the inhalent siphon. Any opinions or advice?

 

[outerbank]

was thinking about buying this #6 but can’t clearly see what’s happening with the inhaling siphon. Any opinions or advice?

Its a beautiful clam, but the incurrent siphon appears a bit wide in this picture. Being wild collected, I feel more comfortable the healthier they look.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Its a beautiful clam, but the incurrent siphon appears a bit wide in this picture. Being wild collected, I feel more comfortable the healthier they look.

Thanks!

 

[CoralsAddiction]

After reading about Noae clam in Fatherree book I’m 100% positive these are non-teardrops found in the Indian Ocean west of Australia. Obviously I don’t have the clam to inspect its shell form, scutes, ribs…visually Fatherree describes them as “most commonly sprinkled, spotted, blotches or marbled, etc with a wide range of colors…not as brightly colored as many Maximas can be”. The clams on corals.com fit the bill.
I was going to add a turquoise Maxima for its bright coloration but they are more readily available than Noae. Hence the purchase.

 

[OrionN]

Not quite the best pictures, but this is all I have for now. The color isn't right and I was in too much of a hurry yesterday and placed the clams too close to the edge of the container. I moved them just now but will need to wait until they they settle down, and hav eto wait until the light color finish ramp up and white light.

 

[OrionN]

 

[ArachnoJoozt]

Absolutely gorgeous clams
The blue one looks like something Van Gogh could have painted!

 

[OrionN]

Absolutely gorgeous clams
The blue one looks like something Van Gogh could have painted!

looking at the clam, I can really the truth to this statement.

 

[Tcook]

Absolutely gorgeous clams
The blue one looks like something Van Gogh could have painted!

Exactly. Starry night.