My new Derasa Clam turned 90 degrees today, how should I react?

[cdw79]

I looked up from my desk today and saw my new derasa clam (about 3 inches, got it about 10 days ago) turned 90 degrees. It's in a little ravine type area in my tank (can provide pic if needed) but instead of it being parallel to the "ravine" if you will, it's now shoved itself around.

My guess is maybe it's a flow situation- the way the flow coming back into the display from the sump hits the flow from the powerhead, it ends up creating a current that flows front to back through that little ravine area. Maybe it's getting too much flow coming through there and is trying to adjust? It's really not very strong, I have a heliofungia in front of it that loves it, but I'm not sure what else it could be. I've watched extensively since it arrived and nothing picks at it or bothers it, bar hermit crabs rubbing up occasionally as they walk by.

Just not sure what to do now. The area it's in has the most light out of anywhere on the sandbed, and most of the rest of my sandbed has more current than that area has. It looks pretty mediocre the way it is, and it's basically straddling the two edges of the ravine area. I feel like it must be moving for a reason so I don't want to ignore it. Thinking maybe I try fiddling with the flow coming from the sump and see if I can lower the amount coming into that area. Any thoughts?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I would just leave it, they reposition themselves sometimes. Basically if the mantle is out and not flapping around, then it should be happy.

If you're concerned, then post a pic.

 

[cdw79]

I'm not concerned, per se. The mantle seems to be full extended and it doesn't seem ticked. It just looks weird the way it's positioned itself, lol. Here's a pic

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Thats a really nice clam, looks like you have a nice tank.
I would just let it be for now, you've only had it a week, its still adjusting to your tank.

 

[Reefer Matt]

They are sorta like anemones. They will go where they want, not always where you want.

 

[cdw79]

Thats a really nice clam, looks like you have a nice tank.
I would just let it be for now, you've only had it a week, its still adjusting to your tank.

Really appreciate it! The tank just hit 1 year and I'm really happy with how far it's come. Nothing makes me happier than things going well in the hobby.

Got the clam from ASD, I'd heard great things and they had a sale awhile back. Definitely happy with going with them, they had a lot nicer of a WYSIWYG collection than most I'd seen.

They are sorta like anemones. They will go where they want, not always where you want.

Fair enough! I've prepped for it for several months to make sure I was ready, and I just want to be sure it doesn't wander somewhere where it doesn't has enough PAR. Seems like I should just let it do its thing for now and see where it ends up. Is it an issue that its mantle is touching the mushroom, do you think? It doesn't seem to mind right now at least

 

[Reefer Matt]

I think it will be okay next to the softy corals. The yellow one (fungia?), maybe not.

 

[Uncle99]

No touch, he’s just getting comfortable.

 

[cdw79]

I think it will be okay next to the softy corals. The yellow one (fungia?), maybe not.

Ok, assumed it would be fine but figured may as well check to be sure. But yeah would definitely move the fungia if it got close, but that's further into the current so I'm doubting it would hop over that way. Does it seem like it's likely to have been the flow? I can't come up with anything else, but it's also my first clam

 

[minus9]

Clams will position themselves for a number of reasons, so let them do their thing and you'll be okay. Constantly moving them or changing their spot will stress them out and will likely lead to their demise. Provide strong daylight spectrum lighting and enjoy!

 

[Derrick0580]

Mine does this from time to time, just let it do what it wants to remain happy. When mine first did this I thought maybe a conch moved the rock it was on so I moved it back and a couple hours later it was turned again and I realized it was the clam moving itself.