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Home > Marine Inverts & Plants > Tridacna Clams > Hippopus Clam, Aquacultured
Hippopus Clam, Aquacultured (Hippopus hippopus)
Hippopus Clam, Aquacultured
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Aquacultured
Hippopus Clam, Aquacultured (Hippopus hippopus)
Additional locales and sizes may be available!
Additional locales and sizes may be available!

Quick Stats

Care Level Moderate
Color Form Black, Tan, Yellow
Diet Filter Feeder
Reef Compatible Yes
Water Conditions 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Family Tridacnida
Lighting High
Supplements Calcium, Magnesium, Strontium, Trace Elements
Waterflow Low to Medium
Placement Bottom to Middle
Compatibility View Chart
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information
Care Level Moderate
Color Form Black, Tan, Yellow
Diet Filter Feeder
Reef Compatible Yes
Water Conditions 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Family Tridacnida
Lighting High
Supplements Calcium, Magnesium, Strontium, Trace Elements
Waterflow Low to Medium
Placement Bottom to Middle
Compatibility View Chart
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information

Overview

The Hippopus clam is also known as Horse's Hoof, Bear Paw or Strawberry Clam. The shell of this clam is very thick with prominent ribs, and has reddish blotches making it easy to differentiate from other clams. The mantle of these clams does not extend past the edge of the shell, and are brownish-green to gray in color with faint gold stripes. The large opening in the mantle, which is called the incurrent aperture, lacks the tentacles that are common with other clams within the Tridacnidae family. These are relatively fast growing clams that process a lot of water for their size which helps in controlling nutrients in a reef aquarium.

A well-established reef aquarium with moderately high lighting is ideal for the Hippopus Clam. These clams prefer to be seated in the substrate with a low to moderate water current. As they grow, they will eventually loose their byssal gland, and will rely on their weight to keep them in place. It is ideal to place these clams on a flat rock that is buried in the substrate to keep access to the byssal opening away from any potential predators.

The Hippopus Clam requires calcium levels of at least 280 mg/L, preferably 380-440 mg/L, as well as adequate strontium and iodine. They require moderately high lighting from which they receive part of their required nutrition. They also need nutrients within the water in which they can feed. Provide phytoplankton in the form of a filter feeding food, weekly. They also feed upon ammonia and nitrates within the aquarium, and are a good addition to the reef aquarium for helping control these nutrients.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1 3/4" to 2 1/4"; Medium 2 1/4" to 2 3/4"; Medium/Large: 2-3/4" to 3-1/4"; Large 3- 1/4" - 4" XLarge: 4" to 5"; XXLarge" 5' to 5-1/2"

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