Species · GBIF taxon 4372625
Maxima Clam
Tridacna maximaAlso known as Small Giant Clam, Rugose Giant Clam
Maxima clams display a stunning array of electric blues, greens, and purples on their fleshy mantles, which they extend to capture sunlight for their symbiotic algae. These bivalves anchor themselves firmly to coral reefs using strong byssal threads, often boring slightly into the limestone substrate to secure their position. Over time, their colorful mantles and wavy shell margins have made them highly sought after by marine aquarists and reef divers alike.
MarineColorfulSymbiotic
- diet
- Plankton and photosynthetic sugars from symbiotic zooxanthellae
- family
- Cardiidae
- threats
- Overharvesting for the aquarium trade, habitat destruction, and ocean warming
- life Span
- Up to 100 years
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Listed under CITES Appendix II due to heavy exploitation for the aquarium trade and food, making wild populations highly vulnerable.
Never attempt to pry a clam from the reef, as this tears their vital byssal gland and kills them.- Avoid touching: Gently waving a hand over the clam triggers its light-sensitive eyespots, causing it to retract.
- Maintain distance: Keep fins clear of the reef to avoid damaging the delicate mantle or breaking the shell.
- Observe the mantle: Look closely at the mantle edge to spot the tiny, pinhole-like eyespots that detect shadows.