I have a blue clam that has some whiteish patches on the mantle right where they bend over the edge of the shell. It almost looks like something growing on it. The color is also a bit faded. I have it located about 16" below the top of the tank and have a 6-lamp T5HO fixture. Any ideas?
Faded patches on clam
- Thread starter DRN
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It could be a localized bleaching, of parts of the mantle. Do they look kind of like "milky spots?" If it's a localized bleaching, it's really nothing to be concerned about. However, watch it, to be aware if the issue spreads, and to notice any changes in the size of the patches.
Is it possible that any "salt creep" could have fallen on the clam, burning part of it?
Does the clam still extend it's mantle?
Does the clam react, quickly, to shadows or movement near it?
As for "something growing on it," is there any way you can take a picture and upload it? I'd be happy to bring the camera over, if needed. Ummm, I could do it after noon, today.
Is it possible that any "salt creep" could have fallen on the clam, burning part of it?
Does the clam still extend it's mantle?
Does the clam react, quickly, to shadows or movement near it?
As for "something growing on it," is there any way you can take a picture and upload it? I'd be happy to bring the camera over, if needed. Ummm, I could do it after noon, today.
Ummm, anytime, this afternoon will be just fine. Tomorrow, most of the day, would work out fine, as well. You let me know what works best for you.
2 works. I'll be there. If something comes up, that prevents me from coming, I'll give you a call.
Okay, so today, I paid Don a visit, and brought my camera along.
At first glance, I was a bit concerned about the clam.
You can see the "brownish" spots, on a few spots of the mantle.
However, then Don got me his step ladder, since I'd brought along my "look down box."
Unfortunately, his sailfin tang was continuously swimming over the clam, causing it to close. It did give us an opportunity to see that the clam is reacting fast, to perceived threats. The coloration is great!! Aside from the "spots" the clam appears to be totally healthy.
The pics are a bit blurry, but you can see the brown spots, along the mantle, that almost look like a burn.
However, the only thing in the tank that I could see, that would cause these types of burns, were a Frogspawn and a Torch coral, neither of which are anywhere near the clam.
I still think it could be a possible case of localized bleaching, but I'm not sure. Hopefully Barry will chime in soon, with his take on things.
At first glance, I was a bit concerned about the clam.
You can see the "brownish" spots, on a few spots of the mantle.
However, then Don got me his step ladder, since I'd brought along my "look down box."
Unfortunately, his sailfin tang was continuously swimming over the clam, causing it to close. It did give us an opportunity to see that the clam is reacting fast, to perceived threats. The coloration is great!! Aside from the "spots" the clam appears to be totally healthy.
The pics are a bit blurry, but you can see the brown spots, along the mantle, that almost look like a burn.
However, the only thing in the tank that I could see, that would cause these types of burns, were a Frogspawn and a Torch coral, neither of which are anywhere near the clam.
I still think it could be a possible case of localized bleaching, but I'm not sure. Hopefully Barry will chime in soon, with his take on things.
chris&barb
Reef-Geeks
Its the natural color pattern of the clam. Nothing to worry about
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