Species · GBIF taxon 4372621
Southern Giant Clam
Tridacna derasaAlso known as Smooth Giant Clam, Derasa Clam, Apricot Clam
Southern giant clams are magnificent reef-dwelling bivalves known for their smooth, heavy shells and brilliantly colored mantles. They host symbiotic algae within their tissues, which provide the clam with nutrients through photosynthesis in exchange for sunlight and protection. These massive mollusks act as living micro-reefs, offering shelter and substrate for numerous small fish, crabs, and invertebrates.
Reef-dwellingSymbioticEndangered
Licensed referenceStan Shebs / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Photosynthetic sugars from symbiotic algae and filtered plankton
- family
- Cardiidae
- threats
- Overharvesting for food and the aquarium trade, habitat degradation, and ocean warming
- life Span
- Up to 100 years or more
EN
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Highly vulnerable to illegal poaching for their shells and meat, as well as coral bleaching.
Never touch, step on, or attempt to harvest these protected clams.- Avoid touching: Touching the sensitive mantle causes the clam to snap shut, which can pinch.
- Do not block light: Swim around them rather than hovering directly overhead to avoid blocking their sunlight.
- Maintain distance: Keep fins clear of the reef to prevent kicking sand onto their delicate mantles.