Invertebrate

Fluted Giant Clam

Tridacna squamosa

Also known as Scaly Clam, Scaly Giant Clam

Fluted giant clams anchor themselves to shallow coral reefs, exposing their brilliantly colored, photosynthetic mantles to the tropical sun. These bivalves grow prominent, leaf-like flutes on their shells that provide shelter for small reef fish and invertebrates. By hosting symbiotic algae, they generate most of their own food while filtering organic particles from the passing current.

Reef-dwellingColorfulPhotosynthetic

"Fluted giant clam #3" by Tim Sheerman-Chase is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by

—observations

—countries

—peak records

Least ConcernConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyPhytoplankton, Dissolved organic nutrients

Predators

Pyramidellid snails
Crabs
Octopuses

ThreatsOverharvesting for food and the aquarium trade, habitat degradation, and coral bleaching

HabitatsShallow coral reefs and lagoons

Life spanOver 100 years

Classification

FamilyCardiidae
SpeciesTridacna squamosa

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Safe to observe at a normal distance while diving or snorkeling.
What to notice: Recognizable by the large, well-spaced, leaf-like flutes projecting from the shell ridges.
Support conservation: Never touch, anchor near, or disturb these clams; report any suspected poaching to local marine authorities.

Responsible observation

Do Not Touch: Avoid touching the sensitive mantle tissue, which causes the clam to snap shut.
Maintain Distance: Keep a respectful distance to prevent blocking the sunlight they need for photosynthesis.
Watch for Spawning: Look for synchronized spawning events, which typically occur during spring high tides.

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