Squamosa Clam

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 12"
• Diet: Photosynthesis   • Aquarium Level: Substrate   • Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
 • Reef Compatible: Yes   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
• Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Trace elements, Magnesium   • Coloration: Blue, Green, Yellow, Brown
• Origin: Indo-Pacific • Family: Tridacnidae   • Species: Tridacna Clams

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The Squamosa Clam is also commonly referred to as the Scaled Clam within the marine aquarium hobby. Its species name squamosa is the Latin word for scale, which explains the numerous rows of large scales over its entire shell that are often used as shelter by other organisms, such as small crabs, other clams, and other invertebrates.

The shell is symmetrical, and the matching growth pattern in its shell allows it to close together very tightly when necessary. The Squamosa Clam is often found living amongst Acropora coral, anchored by its byssal filaments, generally in shallow areas of the reef where the sunlight is at its most intense. It has a wide byssal opening and long tentacles surrounding its in-current siphon, and can grow up to 12 inches or larger in the home aquarium.

The Squamosa Clam is very hardy species and is much less demanding of high intensity light than most other tridacna clams. Even so, bright light supplied by power compact fluorescents or halide lamps will help it grow and keep its intense colors. The type of lamp required will depend on the depth of the tank and the position of the clam, with metal halides being necessary for placement 20" or more from the surface, while power compacts should perform well for placement 20" or less.

A daylight fluorescent tube (10,000k or 20,000k) is also recommended to provide the intensity needed for this tridacna clam species. Squamosa Clams are a little bit more forgiving with their placement in the aquarium in regards to water flow than most other tridacna clam species, giving them a little more flexibility in their aquarium placement. The Squamosa Clam requires calcium levels of 400-480 mg/L, and a carbon hardness of 7 to 12 degrees, with proper levels of strontium and iodine are also needed.

Squamosa Clams rely heavily on the photosynthesis of the zooxanthellae cells growing in its mantle for its primary source of sustenance. For this reason bright intense lighting is required for this species to survive and thrive in an aquarium environment.

However, all clams also require micro foods designed for filter feeders, especially when small, offering such as phytoplankton and other micro-foods or marine snow provide an excellent source of additional nutrition.