Species · GBIF taxon 5729353
Bear Paw Clam
Hippopus hippopusAlso known as Horse Hoof Clam, Strawberry Clam, Hoof Clam
Bear paw clams are heavy, thick-shelled bivalves characterized by deep, interlocking ribs and distinct reddish-purple bands or spots on their exterior. Unlike many of their giant clam relatives, they do not typically attach to the reef with a strong byssal thread, instead resting loose on sandy patches or rubble in shallow coral reef environments. Their fleshy mantles are usually dull green, yellow, or brown, blending seamlessly with the surrounding seafloor while hosting symbiotic algae that provide them with energy.
MarineReef-DwellingSymbiotic
Licensed referenceFrédéric Ducarme / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Plankton and sugars produced by symbiotic zooxanthellae
- family
- Cardiidae
- threats
- Overharvesting for food and the aquarium trade, habitat degradation, and ocean warming
- life Span
- 30 to 50 years
VU
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Vulnerable to extinction due to heavy overharvesting for its meat and decorative shell, alongside reef degradation.
Observe without touching, never attempt to lift them from the seabed, and support marine protected areas.- Do not touch: Avoid handling or disturbing the clam, as they can close their heavy shells quickly.
- Watch for mantle retraction: Observe the colorful mantle tissue from a distance to avoid triggering their defensive shadow reflex.
- Avoid kicking sand: Keep your fins up when snorkeling nearby to prevent smothering their delicate filtering mechanisms.