Gold Tridacna maxima Clam.
Picture taken November 2005, Nikon D70 Digital SLR, Sigma 105mm Macro lens.

Purchased October 26, 2005.

T. maxima clams can reach 12 to 16 inches in the wild. They tend to be a little smaller in reef tanks. These should be considered a "high light" species. T. Maxima come in a wide variety of colors however blue and green mantles or common.

T. maxima clams have pronounced scales on the shells called "scutes" and tend to be longer than T. crocea.

This is a gold maxima clam which I purchased as a test clam to see if the tank was mature enough to support one.

Gold Tridacna maxima Clam.
Picture taken June 2006, Nikon D70 Digital SLR, Sigma 105mm Macro lens.

This is the same clam 7 months later. Several new rows of scutes can be seen. This is a clear indication of the new growth this clam is showing.

It is interesting to note the difference in the mantel pattern as well as the color change of blue to yellow of the outer rim.