Crocea Clam

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 6"
• Diet: Herbivore   • Aquarium Level: Substrate   • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
 • Reef Compatible: Yes   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
• Supplements: Calcium, Trace elements   • Coloration: Blue, Brown, Green, Yellow
• Origin: Indo-Pacific, Great Barrier Reef • Family: Tridacnidae   • Species: Tridacna Clams

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The Crocea Clam, which is also commonly referred to as the Boring Clam or Crocus Clam within the marine aquarium hobby, is a mixture of many bright colors. Super colored clams are typically a vibrant metallic blue, green, or blue/green coloration with spectacular patterns on the mantle.

The coloration is not also this vibrant, and the more standard looking Crocea clams are purple with shades of browns and yellows. The Crocea Clam penetrates through limestone substrates by releasing an acid to break down the carbonate in the stone, then it uses the ridges of its thick shell to dig into the rock by opening and closing quickly through the use of its bysal muscles.

Being the smallest of the "giant" clams, the Crocea Clam also uses its burrowing behavior to help protect itself from predators such as starfish or butterflyfish. Being the smallest of the giant clams, this species only reaches a maximum size of about 6 inches in the aquarium. In nature Crocea Clams are often found living in large congregations that can spread some distance. In order to provide proper living conditions for the Crocea Clam in the home aquarium, bright lighting is essential to promoting growth and intense coloration; as well as, overall good health.

Being a filter feeder, the Crocea Clam requires that there are both medium currents from which to feed as well as phytoplankton and other micro-organisms suspended in the currents. Crocea Clams also require calcium levels of at least 280mg/L to 480mg/L to provide for proper mantle growth and overall good health. Proper levels of strontium and iodine are also very important for this and most other marine invertebrate species.

Crocea Clams rely mostly on photosynthesis of the algae growing on its mantle. It should also be fed supplemental feedings of yeast-based foods or foods designed for filter feeders.