clams

[kgb]

hey just curious how do clams (those really nice looking ones) reproduce ?
is it asexually or do the need a partner

[Canadian Man]

Good Question!
I can't give you an answer but I would like to know the answer.

[kgb]

hey canadian man where did you get your clams from ?
also i was wondering something ? i was planning on buy a few stony corals or maybe a clam would i need to start use calcium some way? and if so do you have and diy on a drip thing fior kalkwasser

[Delphinus]

They don't reproduce asexually, but that doesn't mean they're not hermaphrodites. I beleive that the term is "protandric hermaphrodite" (and somebody with a biology degree can feel free to step in here and correct me 8) ). Basically when they hit sexual maturity, they are first males only, later on becoming hermaphrodites (both male and female), although, when spawning, they cannot release both sperm and eggs simultaneously; thus (hopefully) preventing self-fertilization.

Now ... I beleive I have read of experiments where several species of clams have been induced to self-fertilize in a laboratory, but this is not natural (nor desireable, of course). I should mention I have not read any studies where this was performed on Tridacna sp. or Hippopus sp., however.

Here is some online reading for your interest (I just did some random google searches):

http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1998/jan/features/1/default.asp
http://www.richard-seaman.com/Underwater/Australia/GiantClams/
http://www.zibycom.com/members/002230798/Site2/index11.html
http://www.exotictropicals.com/encyclo/fishnchips/july99/fnc0799.htm

The definitive answers to your questions can be found in Daniel Knop's book about Giant Clams and I highly recommend this book to anyone serious about keeping clams and wanting to understand them.

[Canadian Man]

hey canadian man where did you get your clams from ?
also i was wondering something ? i was planning on buy a few stony corals or maybe a clam would i need to start use calcium some way? and if so do you have and diy on a drip thing fior kalkwasser

I got my two small gold maxima's from Jason at SWC and got my large Dersa calm from EmilyB and i have no idea where she got it from.

If you start getting into clams and stonies you will forsure have to add calcium in some form or another. Kalk may work for you but you have to mix it nightly so if your into that I can show you how to do such a thing.
I have many sollutions for dripping kalk for you.

Thanks for the info Tony!