Species · GBIF taxon 4372638
Crocea Clam
Tridacna croceaAlso known as Boring Clam, Crocus Clam, Saffron-coloured Clam
These vibrant bivalves bore themselves deeply into solid coral blocks, exposing only their brilliantly colored mantles to the sunlit tropical waters. They host millions of symbiotic zooxanthellae algae within their tissues, which provide the clam with energy through photosynthesis in exchange for shelter and nutrients. As the smallest of the giant clam species, they form a striking, living mosaic across shallow Indo-Pacific coral reefs.
Reef-dwellingColorfulSymbiotic
Licensed reference(c) Nhobgood, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Photosynthetic byproducts and phytoplankton
- family
- Cardiidae
- threats
- Habitat destruction, climate change, and overharvesting for the aquarium trade
- life Span
- Up to 30 years
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Listed under CITES Appendix II, these clams are highly vulnerable to illegal poaching and overharvesting for the marine aquarium trade.
Observe them without touching or casting prolonged shadows, and ensure any aquarium specimens are certified captive-bred.- Watch for shadows: Wave a hand above the clam to watch it quickly retract its mantle in response to light changes.
- Look for the mantle: Identify them by their electric blue, green, or gold mantles peeking out from limestone crevices.
- Avoid touching: Refrain from touching the sensitive mantle tissue, which can stress the animal and cause it to snap shut.