Gigas Clam

Gigas Clam, Tridacna gigas, is also known as the Giant Clam with good reason: it can reach sizes of three to four feet and weigh three to four hundred pounds. The Gigas is a spectacular, moderate-light clam with a brown/green/yellow mantle. Iridescent blue/purple spots appear all over the mantle and in greater concentration nearer to the edges. This is the only species that does not close completely. When the four to five folds come together, they leave small slits between the two shell halves. These slits do leave the Gigas somewhat vulnerable to predators such as Triggers, Large Wrasses, Puffers, Crabs, and even Bristleworms. Growing at a possible rate of three to four inches a year, it has been suggested that the Gigas may live for 100 years or more. Though the Gigas produces ample nourishment in the wild, many aquarists recommend supplementing its diet with preparations such as Marine Snow or Kent Phyto-Plan, or Kent Zoo-Plan.

Approximate arrival size for Gigas Clam: Small: 1-2", medium: 2-3", large 3-4", x-large: 5-6".