Tridacna Squamosa - Domestication

Domestication

Tridacna squamosa is sometimes kept in aquaria, where it requires a moderate amount of care. This species is a relatively hardy member of the Tridacnidae family.

A moderate amount of light is required by this species because it relies on zooxanthellae for part of its nutrition. These dinoflagellates use the mantle of Tridacna squamosa as a habitat to photosynthesize. However, it is not nearly as dependent on this photosynthesis as other Tridacnids such as Tridacna crocea or Tridacna maxima and also consumes phytoplankton to complete its diet.

Tridacna squamosa is a peaceful resident and does not harm other organisms, in the wild or otherwise. Despite its ability to shut completely, anemones, trigger fish and puffers may be predators in a domestic environment. It is also recommended that they not be kept with anemones as the anemone may move close to the clam and sting or eat it. Clams should be inspected for Pyramidellidae snails and quarantined, if possible, before being added to aquariums.

In aquaria, it should be kept lower in the display and although some specimens prefer lying in the substrate they will occasionally attach their byssal threads to rocks above the substrate.

All clams require good to excellent water quality, but may help reduce nitrate levels in a system. Clams are noted to consume free nitrates to a degree.