Hippopus clam?

[alf3482]

I seen a clam at the LFS yesterday. Quite diffrent than i have seen. They called it the hippopus Clam can any one tell me What the species of clam this is? And Does it like rock or sand placement? I may purchase it if i can find some info.
Thanks

[Ninong]

Hippopus is a member of the Family Tridacnidae but it is not in the genus Tridacna. It's actually Hippopus hippopus and commonly called the "horse hoof clam." (Hippos=horse, pes=foot).

It has a very heavy shell with horizontal red stripes on the outside; maximum size is about 16". The mantle does not overhang the shell and is usually an inconspicuous greenish or brownish ground coloration with lighter line patterns, but it can also be yellowish or gray. It is rather dull compared to Tridacna species.

It is relatively hardy and should be kept on the sand bed. You might want to consider a Tridacna derasa as a more interesting alternative that is also relatively hardy and best kept on the sand bed.

Ninong

P.S. - Here is a good link to 12 articles by Daniel Knop on Tridacna clams (nothing on H. hippopus however): http://members.home.net/kevdone/AF/O...alf_Shell.html

[alf3482]

Thanks Ninong.
I have several Derasa Clams, I am a clam Freak so when i seen one i had never seen before, i thought i would inquire about it. I'll probably get it. it's only going to cost me three Xenia frags.
Thanks again Ninong, you are always a great help.
Robert