What type of clam do I have?

[cjones1344]

I bought this clam on black friday because I was wanted to try to keep one and he was only 25 bucks. Yes, yes, I know he is very ugly, but he's like 5 inches long and I knew that he would be easier to keep than the 2 inch maximas they had for 50 bucks. I've always just assumed he was a squamosa, but I've started having second thoughts since trying to identify him by pictures and being unable to really tell for sure whether he's a squamosa or not. If he isn't a squamosa I guess I need to get him off the sandbed and put him higher up. Here's some pics, sorry they suck I used my iphone.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5167/5357937036_eb9f306a14_z.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5357937278_f2d1e9b35e_z.jpg

Thanks.

[moliken]

i'd say squamosa, but ive never had one, so am not positive

[Jackri]

Squamosa -- compare it to one of these
http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/ItemDisplay.cfm?c=2733+1&ddid=107874

Looks like you got a GREAT deal IMO.

[cjones1344]

Thanks for confirming it was a squamosa for me. I honestly bought him not knowing how he'd do (my tank is just now 7 months old), but he's done great since the day I put him in. I'm thinking about getting another clam now that I know I can take care of them, probably a derasa.

[moliken]

both can get biiig. in 18 months my derasa nearly tripled in size, almost 7 inches and as wide all the time as yr squammie looks. what size tank?

[cjones1344]

It's a 75, and until I move (which could be years) I don't have room for a bigger tank. I thought Derasa grew slower than Squamosa? If a Derasa will get huge I'll probably go with a Maxima.

[moliken]

derasas might be a bit slower, but not like a maxi or crocea; derasas do get big and fast. according to the man james fatheree, on pg 32, his graph shows squammies average minimum/maximum growth in a year is 4.25-8.25 cm. for derasas, it's 4.5-7.75, but "these are only averages," as he puts it. individuals of the same species will inevitably vary. maxis are 2.3-4.5. croceas are less by about half. there ya go

[60G]

nice clam

[scapes]

since you have one of the "bigger" clams, I would may be get one of the "smaller" clams, say a crocea or maxima. however, if you do get a maxi or crocea, you do need to be aware they need and require a higher light and need to be placed on the rocks. squammie's need the sand and lower light which is what you have it on.

[scapes]

oh and btw...$25 for a 5" squammie is a great deal btw. a reason they are cheaper than the maxi's is b/c they are very quick growers as compared to the very slowwww maxima's and croceas