Derasa Clam – Tridacna derasa – Small Aquacultured

Clams are wonderful additions to any reef aquaria but do have some requirements that make them more difficult than other inverts to keep. Some research is recommended before purchasing one to find out what species will work the best in your reef aquarium.

Derasa Clams (Tridacna derasa) can grow quite large in the home aquarium. They are typically found with yellow to gold striped mantle colorations outlined in blue or purple. Mantle patterns and colors will vary between individual specimens. Unlike most other species of clams, the Derasa Clam has a mostly smooth shell without prominent scutes. They generally have six or seven vertical folds but can have up to twelve. The shell itself is whitish and fan-shaped when small, becoming slightly more elongated as the clam grows. These clams are usually fairly thin at the top when closed and only slightly inflated towards the bottom.

Derasa’s are found on a variety of surfaces. They can grow within colonies of corals (especially Acropora corals) or on sandy flats, rubble piles or rock faces. They are usually found in fairly shallow waters but some have been found much deeper in areas with very clear water.

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