Clam doomed?

[lcashman]

I have a derasa that I've kept for a year this month .
Yesterday I noticed that the clam had receeded halfway into the shell .
I thought it was a goner (it may go yet), but is there anything I can do for the clam?
I moved it and didn't see any reasons (hitch hikers, etc) that would cause this.
Does anyone have any ideas of why this happened?

Thanks,
Leland

 

[DonW]

Nothing bothering it (fish)? What lights do you have? Water parameters ok? Any spawning? Is the shell closed or open with the mantle pulled in? Any gaping before this?

Don

 

[lcashman]

I haven't noticed any fish bothering it.
I just added a foxface about two weeks ago, but I haven't seen the fish near the clam.

I am using two 250w SE 10k Reeflux with two 110w actinics.

As for the water parameters, everything looks good.

I don't think it was spawning, but never seen it in person so I couldn't tell you.

The mantle is pulled in the with the shell open. By open, there is an 1/16 to 1/8" gap.

I had not noticed any gaping before this.

Thanks for the help

 

[matts125]

you said that you recently moved the clam?
was it on the rock? was the foot attatched? how did you remove it?

Matt

 

[lcashman]

The clam is on the sandbed.
So it was not attached to a rock or anything else.

 

[DonW]

If you dont have a qt I would put a cage over the clam. My guess is the foxface.

Don

 

[matts125]

I am guessing the foxface as well.

 

[lcashman]

Now, I also have a crocea in the tank also.
I have not seen any differences in the crocea since adding the fish.
Both of the clams sit on the sandbed and were within 1/2 of each other without any issues.

I have another tank that the clam can be placed in, but I am concerned if I move it from the tank it will only deteriorate even further.

I thought the foxface was "reef safe". Am I mistaken by this comment?
If not, are there any suggestions?

 

[DonW]

The foxface can be hit and miss. I got rid of mine for this problem and I just got a new clam because a foxface was picking on the clam.

Don

 

[lcashman]

Okay, will have to keep an eye on the situation and see if the fish is the problem.
Do you think the clam will pull through or am I out of luck?

 

[DonW]

Okay, will have to keep an eye on the situation and see if the fish is the problem.
Do you think the clam will pull through or am I out of luck?

I really wish I could tell you either way. It would just be a coin toss without seeing the animal in person.

Don

 

[Juanfer]

[QUOTE

I thought the foxface was "reef safe". Am I mistaken by this comment?
If not, are there any suggestions?[/QUOTE]


Rabbitfish are generally reef-safe if they are well fed. If not, it is possible for them to nip at and consume some species of LPS and soft corals.