Wrasse Eating Clams

[denverjon]

Every time I put a small clam in my tank, a couple of wrasses immediately flip it over and start nipping at the base, which always results in a quick death. This doesn't happen with bigger clams, just the small ones that they're able to tip over. My question is this...is it possible to glue a clam to a large frag disk or something similar so that they can't turn it over? If so, what part of the clam should I glue?

 

[FishLipz]

They're looking for pyramid snails or other small food stuffs. Problem is like you said, small clams don't take much abuse. You should never glue a clam down though. That will cause it as much stress as being flipped around and end up with the same result.

 

[soccerbag]

If you have a frag tank, you could allow the clam to attach to a rock before introducing it to the display. This would ensure the clam cannot be flipped over.

 

[denverjon]

I don't have a frag tank. The challenge is that all the clams I see right now that I like are small. I've tried the Tahitians but haven't had good luck with them.

 

[amonchak]

What about the clam craddle type frag disks. I think both Reefkoi and Jgonzz sell these.

 

[denverjon]

I looked at their sites but didn't see them. I'll have to ask. Another idea I had is to put the clam inside a couple inch tall piece of pvc and wait until it attaches itself to a piece of rock.

 

[FishLipz]

Try gooch out with the Alternative Reef. He's got every other ceramic reef thing out there. And it looks like he's on the board right now too.

 

[westreef]

Find a rock with some depression. Then use epoxy to form a cradle around the depression. Put the small clam in and it will eventually attaches to the rock.

 

[soccerbag]

What about the clam craddle type frag disks. I think both Reefkoi and Jgonzz sell these.

That's what I was trying to say as well...lol. I just couldn't think of the name of them : )

 

[skinz78]

Just take some of your old clam shells and use them as a base.

What type of Wrasses do you have?

 

[denverjon]

I have several different species, but the two that always kill the clams are a melanerus and mexican rock wrasse.


The challenge I have is that the wrasses attack the clams as soon as I put them in the tank, so I don't have the luxury of waiting for the clam to attach itself. I think my only option is to either get bigger clams or figure out a way to protect my clams from the fish.

 

[skinz78]

Take a Gatorade bottle and cut it in half, fill it full of 1/4" holes for circulation and then place the clam under it as a shield. Leave it there till it attache's to whatever you wish it would attach to and then see what happens when you remove the bottle.

 

[denverjon]

Great suggestion. Thanks!

 

[Thizz]

hmmm try to seperate the clam or something,like put some mesh over it in one of those ziplock cups

 

[Thizz]

or you could always just get rid of the wrasses that do that.

 

[mallorieGgator]

Rock wrasses aren't really reef friendly. They tend to pick up rocks (hence the name) and turn them over looking for food which is pretty destructive. I would just get rid of the wrasses if you can.