The Giant Clams

A comprehensive guide to the identification and care of Tridacnid Clams.

This book introduces readers to the giant clam's biology, taxonomy and systematics, ecological and cultural significance, threats and challenges, and conservation solutions. The highlight of this book is the species identification guide containing descriptions of 12 known giant clam species accompanied by accurate hand-drawn shell illustrations and live photographs of specimens for comparison. Detailed information is summarised in a visual key on the distinctive features of the individual species, with notes on their ecology, geographic distribution, taxonomy and morphology. This book also includes other useful natural history information to spur the reader's interest in these magnificent animals.With the most comprehensive information presented concisely, this book allows readers to identify a particular giant clam readily and confidently, as well as the other species that it may easily be confused with, confirm that the species occurs in a specific area, and access general information on the biology and ecology of the species. It is a valuable resource for researchers, students, the SCUBA diving community, managers of marine resources, and the public.

This is an updated edition of the author's "Giant Clams in the Reef Aquarium" (2019), which has been written and photo-illustrated specifically for the interested reef aquarist. Inside you can find information on: the biology of giant clams, detailed information about the common species, how to choose and purchase the best specimens, how to care for them in aquariums, how to deal with problems that may arise, and much more. Table of Contents: Introduction Chapter 1: Tridacnine Biology and More The Shells The Soft Parts Mantle Coloration How They Work Reproduction and Growth Attachments, Self-Righting, and Boring Exposure to Air Chapter 2: The Tridacnine Species Tridacna crocea Tridacna maxima Tridacna noae Tridacna derasa Tridacna squamosa Tridacna gigas Hippopus hippopus Hippopus porcellanus Tridacna mbalavuana, a.k.a. tevoroa Tridacna squamosina, a.k.a. costata Tridacna elongatissima Tridacna rosewateri a.k.a. lorenzi Hybrid Tridacnines Chapter 3: The Aquarium Care and Acquisition of Tridacnines (In)Compatibilities Water Quality and Flow Appropriate Lighting Choosing and Shopping Acclimation and Adaptation Proper Placement Feeding and Foods Chapter 4: Tridacnine Troubles Bleaching Bacterial Infections Protozoans and Pinched Mantle Boring Sponges and Overgrowing Algae Stinging Cnidarians Flatworms and Bristle Worms Predatory Crustaceans Predatory and Parasitic Snails Gas-Bubble Disease Deteriorating Ligaments Spawning Events References and Image Credits Index You can also find James' giant clam photo galleries and supplemental videos at jameswfatherree.com.

"This book introduces readers to the giant clam's biology, taxonomy and systematics, ecological and cultural significance, threats and challenges, and conservation solutions. The highlight of this book is the species identification guide containing descriptions of 12 known giant clam species accompanied by accurate hand-drawn shell illustrations and live photographs of specimens for comparison. Detailed information is summarised in a visual key on the distinctive features of the individual species, with notes on their ecology, geographic distribution, taxonomy and morphology. This book also includes other useful natural history information to spur the reader's interest in these magnificent animals. With the most comprehensive information presented concisely, this book allows readers to identify a particular giant clam readily and confidently, as well as the other species that it may easily be confused with, confirm that the species occurs in a specific area, and access general information on the biology and ecology of the species. It is a valuable resource for researchers, students, the SCUBA diving community, managers of marine resources, and the public." --

"The Giant Clams" is the author’s complete coverage of these remarkable reef-dwelling animals, which has been written and photo-illustrated for anyone interested in them. Inside you’ll find information on: the biology of giant clams, the common and uncommon species, the problems they face, how they are aquacultured, and much more. The book also includes over 500 photographs and illustrations. Table of Contents: Preface Introduction Chapter 1: Tridacnine Anatomy, Physiology, and Reproduction Tridacnine Shells Tridacnine Soft Parts How Tridacnines Work Tridacnine Reproduction Chapter 2: Tridacnine Miscellanea Ecological Roles Some Other Symbionts Mantle Coloration Dealing with UV Exposure to Air Jerking and Squirting Deformities and Funky Mantles The Biggest Clams Tridacnine Pearls Maximum Lifespans A Bit More About the ZTS A Few Close Cousins Name Changes, Cryptic Species, and Trees A Variety of Zooxanthellae Attachments and Self-Righting Making Burrows Tridacnine Shells and Humans Chapter 3: The Common Tridacnine Species Tridacna crocea Tridacna maxima Tridacna noae Tridacna derasa Tridacna squamosa Tridacna gigas Hippopus hippopus Chapter 4: The Uncommon Tridacnines and Hybrids Hippopus porcellanus Tridacna mbalavuana Tridacna squamosina Tridacna elongatissima Tridacna rosewateri Hybrid Tridacnines Chapter 5: Tridacnine Troubles Bleaching Bacterial Infections Protozoans and Pinched Mantle Deteriorating Ligaments Boring Sponges and Algae Overgrowing Algae and Corals Bad Worms Predatory and Parasitic Snails Other Predatory Animals Humans Chapter 6: Tridacnine Aquaculture Broodstock and Spawning Gamete Collection Fertilization Larval Rearing Grow-Out On From There References and Image Credits Index You can also find James' giant clam photo galleries and videos and more at jameswfatherree.com.