The biology, identification, and aquarium husbandry of tridacnid clams
By James Fatherree
Publisher: Liquid Medium Publications (2006), Hardcover
Book review of Giant Clams in the Sea and the Aquarium. The Tridacnid Clams are some of the most interesting creatures found in the ocean. The incredible beauty that some of the clam species possess can be simply breathtaking. The really cool part is that many of them make good aquarium candidates if you know how to take care of them properly before you lay down your hard earned cash on them. Giant Clams by James Fatherree provides you with an excellent foundation for starting your adventures with Tridacnid Clams.
Giant Clams in the Sea and the Aquarium goes over most every thing you would ever want to know about keeping these clams in an aquarium along with great info that will surely help you when caring for them. Also, the pictures found in this book are incredible.
Advertisement
Let's review what you'll find in this clam book.
Chapter 1: Tridacnid Biology Basics
Giant Clams in the Sea and the Aquarium starts off by giving the reader a solid foundation on the parts of the clam. From their shells to their inside parts, you'll get up to speed quickly on the various clam parts and you will need to know this info as these body parts are referenced throughout the rest of the text. The Tridacnid life cycle is covered along with growth rates of the known species and an explanation for the coloration found in the clam mantle.
Chapter 2: Tridacnid Nutrition
The important role zooxanthellae plays in providing the clam with energy needed for growth and reproduction. Clams can also eat particulate foods and process dissolved nutrients. What kinds of dissolved nutrients and what size particulates? Ah, read the book.
Chapter 3: The Tridacnid Species
The author provides information on all of the known species of Tridacnids. Tridacna crocea clam, Tridacna maxima clam, T. squamosa, T. derasa, T. gigas, T. mbalavuana (tevora), T. rosewateri, Hippopus hippopus and H. porcellanus. The info covered includes common names, natural habitats, geographic ranges, conservation status, shell characteristics (helpful when identifying clams) such as color, form, folds, scuts, byssal opening characteristics, etc. along with info on the mantle style, shape, colors, etc.
Chapter 4: Collecting, Farming and Shipping Tridacnids
This chapter goes over how these clams are collected by divers and how they can sometimes be injured if they are bysally attached to the substrate. Farming clams is also touched on and what these clams have to go through to get to your local retailer.
Chapter 5: The Acquisition and Care of Tridacnids
Ok, we get to the gravy. Chapter 5 is all about the selection and care of Tridacnid Clams. Potential problem tank mates, water quality, water current, lighting (hint: very important), choosing and shopping for clams, acclimation procedures, placement and feeding. Many hobbyists may not realize that clams can be picked on by fish causing their early demise in an aquarium if the hobbyist doesn't take corrective action. Acclimation and placement are covered well. Lighting can be extremely important for some of the species and you will need to know this info before you buy a clam.
Chapter 6: Tridacnid Troubles
Let's hope you have done your due diligence and have researched all that you can about the species you are interested in. You get the clam in your tank and everything is going great for a few weeks but then you start to notice that parts of your clam are bleaching. Why is this happening? That's when you will turn to this chapter. Here you will learn all about clam bleaching, bacterial troubles, protozoans, algae, bad snails, gas bubbles and the potentially dangerous (to all of the tank inhabitants) spawning events.
In Giant Clams in the Sea and the Aquarium the author's writing style is easy to follow and enjoyable to read. Even the potentially dry scientific topics are made interesting. This is another very good aquarium book that provides the most up to date info on clams and if you want to arm yourself with a ton of info on clams then get this book. We give it four and a half stars.
Rating Information
Review Title: Giant Clams in the Sea and the Aquarium
Reviewed by: Mike FishLore
Summary: The biology, identification, and aquarium husbandry of tridacnid clams
Description: Giant Clams in the Sea and the Aquarium goes over most every thing you would ever want to know about keeping these clams in an aquarium along with great info that will surely help you when caring for them.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
