Squamosa clam (scaly clam)

Care at a glance

The squamosa clam is recognisable by the prominent, scale-like ridges along the shell edge — more pronounced than on any other commonly kept tridacna. Mantle colour ranges from brown and green to bright blue and gold.

Like other giant clams it lives off light through symbiotic algae as well as filtered food from the water, so never rotate it after placing it — the mantle orients itself to one light source and will not turn back. Set it stably on the substrate or a wide rock ledge, never loose in the flow.

Good to know

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

Related species

• Derasa clamTridacna derasa
• Peacock mantis shrimpOdontodactylus scyllarus
• Flame scallopCtenoides scaber
• Purple reef lobsterEnoplometopus daumi
• Blue leg hermit crabClibanarius tricolor
• Tiger cowrieCypraea tigris