Oh that's awful so sorry. Can I ask - did you aclimate him before going in tank ? They are fairly sensitive creatures a sudden change in parameters would have stressed her. I don't actually think it was your fault, clams will generally deteriorate over quite a few weeks not die in 4 days (unless something is very wrong ). I think he may have been in way out at time of purchase if only lasted that long. Don't let it put you off. They really aren't that difficult.Gutted - came home tonight and it's died. Can't believe it only lasted 4 days! Not only the cost of it but it was such a bonny thing. Gutted
They have a foot that attaches to rock or glass to hold them steady. Sometimes if you forcefully move them the foot rips & bacterial infection sets in. But if you gently pry then off being very careful of foot they are generally fine. We move ours all the time. They will also detach their own foot to move themselves quit often. If foot is ripped off it can repair if infection doesn't set in , it actually regrows it.Wow what a creature. I have yet to see a clam in person.
I think I heard that if you move them they can die.. so how do you get them into your tank in the first place? Is it just when they become established that they can't be moved?
Good luck to you and your clam baz.
Often when we have purchased clams the assistant takes very little care on its removal and tears it's foot. The fact he never attatched again suggests that may be the problem. The foot looks very similar to an anenome foot,next time you buy a clan make sure it's still attached to its base in the bag. A torn foot can kill a clam fairly quickly.Thanks all,
You have all hit the nail on the head... It's the not knowing why that really frustrates me. I acclimated for well over an hour, sat on a flat rock and kept checking if it had latched, it never did. It was prob 2.5" long. Another site said maybe my light wasn't strong enough... But surely light wouldn't kill over 4 days?
It has really put me off, cost me £60 plus some traded Kenya tree! There is no comeback and no real way of guaranteeing something will survive I suppose.... Upsetting to think it's died because of something in my tank!