Clam question

michika · #1 10-11-2007, 02:26 AM

I got it all sorted out with CD and have posted my question.

Nothing along the mantle, or the shell rim that may be crediting the problem. I did however pick up the clam and take a look inside, nothing to be found. There was a large bristleworm at its base, and I took care of it. Maybe that was issue, we will have to see.

untamed · #2 10-11-2007, 02:29 AM

Even the "what it normally looks like" photo doesn't look very good to me. That's not much mantle extension in that photo, either.

michika · #3 10-11-2007, 02:46 AM

The mantle is usually more extended the in my "normal" photo. Its probably out by at least another 1". The camera seems to scare it into retracting its mantle.

I was just using the photo to demonstrate that the mantle isn't usually so sunken into the shell.

EmilyB · #4 10-11-2007, 06:46 AM

When I had a clam go that route, I usually found bristleworms at the base. I don't know if they found something wrong there, or caused it. Then usually, the bottom dropped out of the clam shortly after, and demise was rapid.

fencer · #5 10-11-2007, 02:06 PM

I don't think the worms are a the initial start of a clams demise. I am sure she checked for pyrams, but I don't see that happening as the clam has been there a while. I don't know if michika has clams close to this one but if she does the others might be showing the same pathlogy. As she has not mentioned it, that is not the case. I have read if a clams mounting surface is damaged (by moving it arouind) it could comprimse its health

michika · #6 10-11-2007, 02:29 PM

None of the other 9 clams are showing anything similar at all. You're right I did check for anything that could be triggering it.

This clam's foot always looked okay. Granted it never liked to be on rock, and it would frequently move itself into the corner on the sand. This morning it looks the same as it did yesterday, no better, no worse.