Clam Heads! Is my Deresa a goner?

[Tamberav]

I would probably just stick something between them so the RFA can't touch it. If you put clams in a clam "hammock" then can move them with less stress.

 

[SauceyReef]

I'm no expert but what I've read say derasa loose their byssal thread when they get older. I've not read of them regrowing. Again just info I've gathered online.
Also just commenting on the broken hinge issue mentioned above. I lost a Derasa to a broken hinge. It was in the same spot for over a year and one day I noticed is on its side. When I went to move it upright I noticed the hinge was broken. I have no idea what the cause is but mine didn't make it. I don't think it's a common issue but I did find a few reports when I was looking for info on mine.

When that happens it causes a quick death? I think the only issue here is the Deresa touching the RFA. The byssal thread is defeintely still there when I try to move the clam it seems very attached to the rubble underneath. Also if the hinge is broken is there really anything I could even do besides wait for the death?

 

[SauceyReef]

I would probably just stick something between them so the RFA can't touch it. If you put clams in a clam "hammock" then can move them with less stress.

I keep trying that and the RFA uses it as something to attach to Maybe I Need a larger piece

 

[exnisstech]

When that happens it causes a quick death? I think the only issue here is the Deresa touching the RFA. The byssal thread is defeintely still there when I try to move the clam it seems very attached to the rubble underneath. Also if the hinge is broken is there really anything I could even do besides wait for the death?

Mine held on for a few weeks after I noticed it. I read that some people had tried repairing the hinge but the general consensus was it was a death sentence in the end. If yours is attached it's probably OK.

 

[minus9]

As mentioned earlier, I would simply place a small piece of rock/rubble in between the RFA and clam. If the clam keeps growing, it will eventually shade the RFA.

 

[SauceyReef]

As mentioned earlier, I would simply place a small piece of rock/rubble in between the RFA and clam. If the clam keeps growing, it will eventually shade the RFA.

I just did again, but I came home tonight and already the RFA is moving over the piece of rock/rubble I added in between and inching closer towards the clam

 

[SauceyReef]

Also I scooted the clam as much as I could right without breaking the byssal threads or putting to much stress on them. Gave about a cm or less.

 

[minus9]

I just did again, but I came home tonight and already the RFA is moving over the piece of rock/rubble I added in between and inching closer towards the clam

If the RFA moves onto the rock, then you can move it. If the clam is attached to the bottom of the tank, then you should be able to cut the threads at the attachment point with a new razor blade. Just lift enough to see what you’re doing and cut them slowly. As you cut the threads, it will slowly lift and allow you to keep going.
Hopefully the RFA makes it easy for you and moves on the rock?

 

[SauceyReef]

If the RFA moves onto the rock, then you can move it. If the clam is attached to the bottom of the tank, then you should be able to cut the threads at the attachment point with a new razor blade. Just lift enough to see what you’re doing and cut them slowly. As you cut the threads, it will slowly lift and allow you to keep going.
Hopefully the RFA makes it easy for you and moves on the rock?

It is a bigger RFA so it has its foot in the crevice of the rock and sand bed, but is spreading out over the rock. It is in that annoying spot where it wont actually attach to the rubble bc every time I try to pull the piece it shoots back down into its litle cave.

I think my only chance is cutting the byssals again.

 

[SauceyReef]

Update - I went in to take action. I decided not to cut the byssal thread and just give the clam a stronger tug to see if I could move it without breaking the byssal. To my disbeleif it pulled the entire rock out of the sand - it is attached to a pretty small piece of rubble about half an inch wide so not that unbelievable lol. It is behind the shell on the left side. It is acting as a little anchor! It is kind of nice because now I can move the clam anywhere and the byssal thread is still attached to this little piece of rock on the side.

On a positive note the clam has a noticeable growth ring that finally is appearing again. I didn’t realize how fast this clam is growing! Another inch or two and no matter where I move it it will be hitting some RFA. That will be time for a new tank or rehoming.

 

[SauceyReef]

I have the placement of the clam right? The larger gape - female looking part lol is the intake, and male looking part is outake? You can't see in the photo but there is a hygger on the left wall

 

[minus9]

I have the placement of the clam right? The larger gape - female looking part lol is the intake, and male looking part is outake? You can't see in the photo but there is a hygger on the left wall

If it doesn’t like its location it will move itself.

 

[SauceyReef]

If it doesn’t like its location it will move itself.

True but I’m starting to not trust the movement of a creature without a brain RFAs, anemones, and clams all seem to be pretty suicidal at points. I just want to try to find the best placement so less movement is needed.

 

[minus9]

True but I’m starting to not trust the movement of a creature without a brain RFAs, anemones, and clams all seem to be pretty suicidal at points. I just want to try to find the best placement so less movement is needed.

yet they've seemed to survive and thrive for millions of years without our intervention. I usually let clams move where they want to (within reason), as they'll move based on flow, light, etc..but keep your involvement to a minimum, as too much handling with stress them out.

 

[SauceyReef]

yet they've seemed to survive and thrive for millions of years without our intervention. I usually let clams move where they want to (within reason), as they'll move based on flow, light, etc..but keep your involvement to a minimum, as too much handling with stress them out.

Good call, but I have personally seen RFAs and Clams circle around the tank 3x times going left just to end up moving 1cm to the right from their original spot I have had 5-10 anemones in the past half decade walk into powerheads for no apparent reasons. And now I have clam that seems persistent to walk into its death as well. Nature is amazing and resilient, but I still dont trust it for guarenteed success.

TIME TO PLAY GOD. lol jk - I have barely moved the clam and have even avoided cutting the thread. Not bad!