Derasa clam

Care at a glance

The derasa clam is the largest giant clam commonly kept in aquariums and has a mantle in golden, green and blue wave patterns, usually a little calmer in colour than the maxima. It is also the easiest of the group, with a lower light requirement.

It grows fast and gets big, so plan for space and a solid position: on rock as a juvenile, usually on the bottom later on. Keep calcium, alkalinity and magnesium stable, because a fast-growing clam consumes a considerable amount of them.

Good to know

• Needs a mature, stable tank
• Filter feeder — needs fine suspended food
• Outgrows most home tanks

Related species

• Flame scallopCtenoides scaber
• Squamosa clam (scaly clam)Tridacna squamosa
• Peacock mantis shrimpOdontodactylus scyllarus
• Ring cowrieMonetaria annulus
• Purple reef lobsterEnoplometopus daumi
• Tiger cowrieCypraea tigris