Tridacna Maxima Clam
Maxima Clam, Tridacna maxima, is a beneficial and beautiful aquarium addition. Typically seen in Blue, Gold, Green, or Purple colorations, the Maxima is quick to make itself comfortable in its new environment by attaching with byssal threads, often within days. It may initially turn itself to find a preferred quantity and direction of water flow. Also known as the Great Clam, the Maxima can grow 1 to 1.5 inches per year to a maximum of over a foot in length in the wild. Its shell is typically elongated to about three times as long and wide and shows asymmetry. Of the typically-available Tridacnids, the Maxima is second only to the Crocea in its need for intense lighting and it does require greater actinic lighting than other “non-blue” species. Bold and beautiful, these vividly-patterned clams are likely second-to-none in terms of popularity for the aquarium hobbyist.
