Hippopus Clam

Hippopus hippopus

Identification	A heavy, thick-shelled giant clam marked with strawberry-red blotches and bands. Unlike Tridacna its comparatively drab olive-brown mantle does not extend past the shell margin. Also called the Horse’s Hoof or Strawberry Clam.
Maximum Length	to 16″+
Origin	Indo-Pacific
Minimum Tank Size	100 Gal.
Reef Compatibility	Reef safe

Behavior

A hardy giant clam and a good first tridacnid-style clam. Less flashy than a Maxima or Crocea because the mantle stays inside the shell, but considerably more durable. It rests on sand or rubble rather than attaching to rock.

Diet & Feeding

Photosynthetic through its zooxanthellae, with some filter feeding. Smaller specimens benefit from phytoplankton.

Cautions

Needs strong lighting and stable calcium and alkalinity to build shell. Place it on sand, not perched on rock. Watch for parasitic pyramidellid snails, and remember it grows large.