Info on T. Gigas(sp?)??

MarkS · 10-11-2001, 10:21 AM

I realize that these are the largest of the giant clam species and think that it would make a nice "feature" for my big tank.

What I want to know is:

How much light do they need? I will have halides and VHO actinics.
How much current do they like?
Do they like to be placed on the sand or on rocks?
Do they need any special care?
How fast do they grow and how long would it take for them to reach maximum size? Do they even have a maximum size? 18" would be the max that could fit in my tank and I plan on getting a small one.
Where is a good online vendor that sells them? I do know that people have had trouble in getting them lately due to harvesting restrictions in Australia.

TIA,
Mark

djheywood · 10-12-2001, 02:32 AM

If I remember correctly I have seen pictures with T. Gigas as long as 6 ft! They will DEFINITELY get over 18 inches. I also believe they are not very colorful. If you want a large clam as a showpiece what about a deresa? I know they also get huge, but not 6 ft.

Whatever you decide, good luck. FWIW, I have never seen a gigas for sale anywhere.

**Ninong** · 10-12-2001, 08:35 AM

Originally posted by MarkS

I realize that these are the largest of the giant clam species and think that it would make a nice "feature" for my big tank.

What I want to know is:

How much light do they need? I will have halides and VHO actinics.

About the same as T. derasa, so your lighting is fine.
How much current do they like?

Gentle current.
Do they like to be placed on the sand or on rocks?

They should always be placed on the sand.
Do they need any special care?

Nothing different than other Tridacnids.
How fast do they grow and how long would it take for them to reach maximum size? Do they even have a maximum size? 18" would be the max that could fit in my tank and I plan on getting a small one.

If you get one that is small to begin with, you should be OK for several years. Their average maximum size is about 3-ft across but individual specimens have been found that were 4-ft across. A large T. gigas can weigh 400 - 600 lbs.
Where is a good online vendor that sells them? I do know that people have had trouble in getting them lately due to harvesting restrictions in Australia.

Many of the online vendors list them "for sale" on their sites. Don't know about actual "availability." They are becoming an endangered species because of over-harvesting for the asian food market. Maybe you should consider a T. derasa instead.

Ninong

10-11-2001, 10:21 AM	#1
MarkS Governor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 1,799	Info on T. Gigas(sp?)?? I realize that these are the largest of the giant clam species and think that it would make a nice "feature" for my big tank. What I want to know is: How much light do they need? I will have halides and VHO actinics. How much current do they like? Do they like to be placed on the sand or on rocks? Do they need any special care? How fast do they grow and how long would it take for them to reach maximum size? Do they even have a maximum size? 18" would be the max that could fit in my tank and I plan on getting a small one. Where is a good online vendor that sells them? I do know that people have had trouble in getting them lately due to harvesting restrictions in Australia. TIA, Mark

10-12-2001, 02:32 AM	#2
djheywood Council Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: El Segundo, CA Posts: 367	If I remember correctly I have seen pictures with T. Gigas as long as 6 ft! They will DEFINITELY get over 18 inches. I also believe they are not very colorful. If you want a large clam as a showpiece what about a deresa? I know they also get huge, but not 6 ft. Whatever you decide, good luck. FWIW, I have never seen a gigas for sale anywhere. __________________ http://www.ssaland.com/reefpages/reefhome.htm

10-12-2001, 08:35 AM	#3
Ninong Moderator Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Louisiana Posts: 20,691	Re: Info on T. Gigas(sp?)?? Originally posted by MarkS I realize that these are the largest of the giant clam species and think that it would make a nice "feature" for my big tank. What I want to know is: How much light do they need? I will have halides and VHO actinics. About the same as T. derasa, so your lighting is fine. How much current do they like? Gentle current. Do they like to be placed on the sand or on rocks? They should always be placed on the sand. Do they need any special care? Nothing different than other Tridacnids. How fast do they grow and how long would it take for them to reach maximum size? Do they even have a maximum size? 18" would be the max that could fit in my tank and I plan on getting a small one. If you get one that is small to begin with, you should be OK for several years. Their average maximum size is about 3-ft across but individual specimens have been found that were 4-ft across. A large T. gigas can weigh 400 - 600 lbs. Where is a good online vendor that sells them? I do know that people have had trouble in getting them lately due to harvesting restrictions in Australia. Many of the online vendors list them "for sale" on their sites. Don't know about actual "availability." They are becoming an endangered species because of over-harvesting for the asian food market. Maybe you should consider a T. derasa instead. Ninong

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