ORA Gigas Clam - 2"

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Moderate
• Lighting Requirement: High (250-350 PAR)
• Flow: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Placement: Rockwork
• Approximate Purchase Size: 2"

Overview

Tridacna gigas is truly the Giant Clam of legend. This species grows to multiple feet in length and has been recorded to weigh more than 700lbs in the wild. They are typically found in shallow lagoons and reef flats up to a depth of 60 feet.  As juveniles they will attach to the substrate using their byssal organ which secretes sticky threads. In time, the large size of the animal helps keeps it in place. ORA Gigas Clams are a golden color highlighted by teal and blue spots on the mantle.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The clam you receive may vary in appearance.

Water Parameters

Gigas clams thrive in clear, stable water conditions. They have a hard calcareous shell and will consume calcium and alkalinity as they grow, often requiring additional supplementation. Routine water testing helps ensure these needs are consistently met.

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.024-1.026
• Temperature: 75-78 Degrees F
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Alkalinity: 8-9dKH
• Calcium: 380-450ppm
• Magnesium: 1300-1450ppm
• Nitrate (NO3): 10-30ppm
• Phosphate: 0.01-0.1ppm
• Nitrite (NO2): Undetectable
• Ammonia (NH3): Undetectable

Lighting Requirements

This clam usually does best in high lighting, around 250-350 PAR.

For those with mixed reef tanks, a PAR meter is invaluable for fine-tuning light levels across different areas, helping ensure each photosynthetic organism gets the right intensity for its needs.

Ideal Tank Placement

Place the clam directly onto the substrate and do not move it unless absolutely necessary. These clams get very large, so be sure to place it in an area where it has room to grow.

Water Flow Requirements

Moderate, steady flow is ideal. Too much direct flow may cause them to close.

Aggressiveness and Compatibility

Crocea clams are peaceful invertebrates. Avoid keeping clams in a tank with fish that may pick on the clam's mantle.

Feeding and Nutrition

While they are photosynthetic, clams will benefit from feeding live phytoplankton to the tank.

Growth Rate

Gigas clams have a moderately fast growth rate and can achieve very large sizes in a home aquarium. If cared for properly, they can attain sizes of 3+ feet!