Help amphipods eating dersa

jbittner · 05/29/2002, 10:23 PM

My dersa clam is being attacked by amphipods. about 1/3 to 1/2 of the mantle of my 3" dersa is gone or not expanding. Help with any ideas. Also how can i get him to remove his foot from the rocks. If i can do this I could put him in a plastic cup in the tank to protect him.

delphinus · 05/30/2002, 08:41 AM

It seems to me they shouldn't be attacking the clam. Maybe the clam is distressed and they are capitalizing on its weakness.

How about if you put some food of some kind nearby the clam, a diversion, so that the 'pods will maybe go after that instead, while the clam tries to recover?

I don't really know what to suggest. I'm somewhat new to clams myself. So maybe someone else who REALLY knows what's going on can jump in here and suggest something.

jim norris · 05/30/2002, 03:51 PM

Jbittner,
Removing a clam from a rock is tricky but can be done. My way is I use a razor single edge and while I SLOWLY tilt the clam to one side I cut the tread. Amphipods??? After you remove the clam check it for those nasty (rice) snails. Look in the scales along the mantle and under the clam.
Jim

www.tanku.net

zenya · 05/30/2002, 03:53 PM

Do you mean that mantle is retracted inside of the shell ?How is incurent syphon looking?Is it gaping?If it does,it is probably stressed realy bad.Can you provide some more info about your tank,lights,water params.,inmates

I don't think pods are capable of eating healthy clam and you should check underside of your clam as well to see how bysall looks.

Good luck,
Gene.

Guy · 05/30/2002, 07:50 PM

If amphipods are eating your clam they are most likely consuming dead tissue.

05/29/2002, 10:23 PM	#1
jbittner Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Humboldt, NE Posts: 1,014	Help amphipods eating dersa My dersa clam is being attacked by amphipods. about 1/3 to 1/2 of the mantle of my 3" dersa is gone or not expanding. Help with any ideas. Also how can i get him to remove his foot from the rocks. If i can do this I could put him in a plastic cup in the tank to protect him.

05/30/2002, 08:41 AM	#2
delphinus Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Calgary, AB., Canada Posts: 1,453	It seems to me they shouldn't be attacking the clam. Maybe the clam is distressed and they are capitalizing on its weakness. How about if you put some food of some kind nearby the clam, a diversion, so that the 'pods will maybe go after that instead, while the clam tries to recover? I don't really know what to suggest. I'm somewhat new to clams myself. So maybe someone else who REALLY knows what's going on can jump in here and suggest something. __________________ -Tony My next hobby will be flooding my basement while repeatedly banging my head against a brick wall and tearing up $100 bills. Whee! Current Tank Info: 280g Reef, 65g FOWLR

05/30/2002, 07:50 PM	#5
Guy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Warsaw, New York Posts: 3,354	If amphipods are eating your clam they are most likely consuming dead tissue. __________________ Buy Aquacultured - The reef you save may be your own! Current Tank Info: 900 Gallon Lagoonal Reef connected to a 155 gallon bowfront Fringe Reef

05/30/2002, 03:51 PM	#3
jim norris Moved On Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 760	Jbittner, Removing a clam from a rock is tricky but can be done. My way is I use a razor single edge and while I SLOWLY tilt the clam to one side I cut the tread. Amphipods??? After you remove the clam check it for those nasty (rice) snails. Look in the scales along the mantle and under the clam. Jim www.tanku.net

05/30/2002, 03:53 PM	#4
zenya Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: new jersey Posts: 2,650	Do you mean that mantle is retracted inside of the shell ?How is incurent syphon looking?Is it gaping?If it does,it is probably stressed realy bad.Can you provide some more info about your tank,lights,water params.,inmates I don't think pods are capable of eating healthy clam and you should check underside of your clam as well to see how bysall looks. Good luck, Gene.