Tridacna crocea (Crocea Clam) Care Guide
Tridacna crocea is the smallest giant clam, a boring Indo-Pacific bivalve with a vivid mantle that depends on intense reef lighting.
Overview
Tridacna crocea is the smallest member of the giant clam subfamily Tridacninae, reaching about 15 cm in shell length. Its mantle shows shades of blue, green, purple, gold, orange or brown, often patterned with spots, stripes or squiggles, while the shell valves are greyish-white. It is known as the boring clam because it embeds itself into massive corals and rock.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cardiidae
- Subfamily: Tridacninae
- Genus: Tridacna
- Scientific name: Tridacna crocea
Habitat
The species is native to the Indo-Pacific, ranging from Malaysia, Vietnam and Japan to Indonesia, the Philippines, Palau, New Guinea, Australia, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. It is typically found embedded in massive corals on shallow, well-lit reefs.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-26 C (75-79 F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness (KH): 8-11 dKH
- Calcium: 380-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1280-1350 ppm
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Lighting: intense reef lighting
- Lifespan: 10-30 years
Diet
Like other giant clams, Tridacna crocea hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae in its mantle and derives most of its energy from their photosynthesis, supplemented by filter feeding. This reliance on light means it requires strong reef illumination, while stable calcium, alkalinity and magnesium support shell growth.
Compatibility
It is peaceful and reef-safe among calm reef fish. Mantle-nipping species such as angelfish, triggers and pufferfish should be avoided, as should aiptasia anemones that can sting the mantle.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is listed on CITES Appendix II, regulating international trade. It may now be locally extinct in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands where it formerly occurred.