Blue Stripe Derasa Clam

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Moderate
• Lighting Requirement: High (250-350+ PAR)
• Flow: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Placement: High

Overview

Tridacna maxima has the widest distribution of any Tridacnid species. It is found from the Red Sea, throughout the Indo-Pacific region, to Australia and Polynesia. It usually occurs in shallow, clear water, high current areas where they are known to form high-density populations. They will attach to the substrate with threads from the byssal organ.

Maxima clams have many different colors and patterns. For this reason, they are usually graded to help classify the mantle colors. The reflection of colors will change as one views the mantle from different angles.

They require high light levels in the aquarium and are best placed high in the tank, close to the lights.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The clam you receive may vary in appearance.

Water Parameters

Maxima Clams thrive in clear, stable water conditions. They have a hard skeleton and will consume calcium and alkalinity as they grow, often requiring additional supplementation. Routine water testing helps ensure these needs are consistently met.

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.024-1.026
• Temperature: 75-78 Degrees F
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Alkalinity: 8-9dKH
• Calcium: 380-450ppm
• Magnesium: 1300-1450ppm
• Nitrate (NO3): 10-30ppm
• Phosphate: 0.01-0.1ppm
• Nitrite (NO2): Undetectable
• Ammonia (NH3): Undetectable

Lighting Requirements

Maxima Clams usually do best in high lighting, around 250-350+ PAR. For those with mixed reef tanks, a PAR meter is invaluable for fine-tuning light levels across different areas, helping ensure each photosynthetic organism gets the right intensity for its needs.

Ideal Tank Placement

Place the clam high up in the tank where they can be close to the lights. Do not move it unless absolutely necessary.

Water Flow Requirements

Moderate, steady flow is ideal. Too much direct flow may cause them to close.

Aggressiveness and Compatibility

Maxima clams are peaceful invertebrates. Avoid keeping clams in a tank with fish that may pick on the clam's mantle.

Feeding and Nutrition

While they are photosynthetic, Maxima clams will benefit from feeding live phytoplankton to the tank.

Growth Rate

Clams grow relatively slowly. They are one of the smaller species of giant clams, but can still grow to nearly 12" in size.