Tang Cleaning Clam Shell Certain Death?

[happyhourhero]

My Kole cleans the derasa's shell multiple times per hour and each time it does the clam pulls its mantle in a bit so it's not hanging over the edge but stays open. If it hits the edge of the mantle, it closes up a little bit but opens back up within 30 or so seconds. It never lets the mantle hang our super far over the shell edges because of this.

Once I observed this happening, I assumed the clam would be dead soon but over time it seems like it doesnt bother it all that much but it is for sure a frequent occurrence.

Do you more experienced clam keepers think it will eventually perish or maybe it will be all good?

 

[laverda]

It should not ne a problem.

 

[DSC reef]

I believe it should be fine but I'd keep a close eye on the clam to make sure it's not staying closed for longer periods.

 

[ksfulk]

My kole tang has been cleaning my derasa's shell for two years without any issue - the other tangs pick at the shell every once and a while as well with no issues.

 

[happyhourhero]

Thanks for the feedback guys. This is its “normal” state. I know the angle is wrong but it shows how it doesn’t extend the mantle above the shell. Tang pictured is not the offender.

 

[Shigshwa]

Is it new? When fresh from another store, the tangs may find some interesting morsels of food to pick off the shell. The tang should stop picking at it so frequently once the shell is clean, and the clam will learn to not mind it as much.

 

[bsagea]

A clam will adjust to it's shell being "cleaned" just as it will to fish swimming over it. Eventually it will just stay open and not be phased by it.