We have a popular giant clam here in East Timor that is approximately 1 meter in diameter. How old could it be?
How old is the Giant Clam?
- Thread starter calypsonick
- Start date
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seakdivers
Guest
calypsonick;
I have been looking into a similar subject, so I found this to be fairly interesting as well.
From what I've found, the Giant Clam reaches sexual maturity at about 5-6 years of age.
As far as the lifespan, I've found several references that say they can live up to 100 years, although they don't cite where their data came from.
Additionally, there are about 9 different species of Giant Clam, so each one is a bit different. I am assuming that the species you have is Tridacna gigas.
I will let you know if I find anything else!
I have been looking into a similar subject, so I found this to be fairly interesting as well.
From what I've found, the Giant Clam reaches sexual maturity at about 5-6 years of age.
As far as the lifespan, I've found several references that say they can live up to 100 years, although they don't cite where their data came from.
Additionally, there are about 9 different species of Giant Clam, so each one is a bit different. I am assuming that the species you have is Tridacna gigas.
I will let you know if I find anything else!
Hooked4Life
Guest
I would have to agree with seakdivers. These clams can grow and live for quite a long time. The Tridacna gigas is the largest of the clam family. Some of the more pleasent and colorful clams to look at like the Tridacna maxima, Tridacna squamosa lifes span is much shorter and are more suspectable to collection. Captive breeding of clams have helped a little.
hcs3
Guest
giant clams, just like corals, are thought to be relatively immortal. that is, they can live forever, so long as they are not killed by humans, predators, storms, etc.
the only way to determine the age of a clam is study the shell growth rings. unfortunitely, this requires a dead clam to do so.
captive breeding of clams is primarily done for the asian food markets, though a small percentage of CB clams have hit the aquarium trade. these are, obviously, the best colored of the CB clams.
here is a link to photos of 6 of my 7 giant clams in my aquarium. the only one missing is a newly acquired T. squamosa. i think this T. maxima below is my favorite thus far.
HTH
henry
the only way to determine the age of a clam is study the shell growth rings. unfortunitely, this requires a dead clam to do so.
captive breeding of clams is primarily done for the asian food markets, though a small percentage of CB clams have hit the aquarium trade. these are, obviously, the best colored of the CB clams.
here is a link to photos of 6 of my 7 giant clams in my aquarium. the only one missing is a newly acquired T. squamosa. i think this T. maxima below is my favorite thus far.
HTH
henry
Hooked4Life
Guest
henry: Off topic.. Nice Reef Tank, I added a link to your web site. You can check out my reef tank on my site.
caymaniac
Contributor
What are you using for lighting, I know those clams have to have alot of light.
Caymaniac
Caymaniac
hcs3
Guest
hooked,
couldn't find any pictures of your tank on your website. have a direct link?
caymaniac,
250w Blueline Electronic Metal Halide ballast running a 250w 10,000 Kelvin Bulb. 3 of them, actually.
henry
couldn't find any pictures of your tank on your website. have a direct link?
caymaniac,
250w Blueline Electronic Metal Halide ballast running a 250w 10,000 Kelvin Bulb. 3 of them, actually.
henry
Hooked4Life
Guest
Henry:
Aquarium web site: http://www.scubastruck.com/aquariums
Scuba web site: http://www.scubastruck.com
The link was in the left hand side under hobbies. I used to have 2 T. Squamosa's when I had a 55G Reef lit by (2) 175W MH and (2) 40W NO. The problem is my reef tank now has very little sand bottom area for placement.
Aquarium web site: http://www.scubastruck.com/aquariums
Scuba web site: http://www.scubastruck.com
The link was in the left hand side under hobbies.
I used to have 2 T. Squamosa's when I had a 55G Reef lit by (2) 175W MH and (2) 40W NO. The problem is my reef tank now has very little sand bottom area for placement.
OP
On Saturday the 9th we went to visit our friend the giant clam only to be met with a tragic sight: Death of a Giant
We are preparing a report to the authorities with hopes that other clams will not suffer a similar fate.
-Nick
We are preparing a report to the authorities with hopes that other clams will not suffer a similar fate.
-Nick
Scubaroo
Contributor
Was it harvested??? What depth is it in?
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