Clam hitchhiker

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calvertbill

Guest
I recently brought home a Crocea. When I took it from the tank at the LFS I inspected it and outside of some grape caulerpa hitchhiking near its foot, it looked normal.
After I acclimated it at home it now looks like it's got herpes in the form of a sort of scallopy looking quarter sized clam atached to it's lip. Should I attempt to pry it off or leave it alone?
 

oceana

Active Member
huh strang never seen that one before. well if it is infact a clam just attached to the side of the large clam shell then i see no problem with removing it. just be sure it it not PART of the large clams shell. other then that i cant see any problems coming from it.
as a side not proper placment for a crocea is in the rock work. they will work there way into the rocks and attach rather firmly. if you do place it in the sand place a rock under the clam for it to attach to. for best health however keep it up in the rocks.
 

nycbob

Active Member
u didnt see this when u purchased the clam? looks like it is preventing the clam from opening its mantle fully. i dont think it will kill the clam, but it sure wouldnt look good with only half the mantle fully extended.
 
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calvertbill

Guest
Originally Posted by nycbob
http:///forum/post/2641764
u didnt see this when u purchased the clam?
Okay, okay, I'll adopt a new rule: SHOP SOBER!
Seriously though, what ever it is, it seems to be working it's way toward the edge of the mantle. If my goal is to separate the Siamese twins without damaging either one, any suggestions?
 
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calvertbill

Guest
I just thought of something:
What I was thinking of trying is:
Tie a plastic coated twist tie between the two shells. Gradually start tightening the twist tie (put a toothpick in the other end and take a turn/hour?) and the two should be forced apart without harming either.
 

oceana

Active Member
I woiuld not put that much effort into it but thats up to you. they hold on tight but not that tight. you should be able to apply preasure outwards and it will release shortly
 
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calvertbill

Guest
Well, I did it! I took the parasitic clam and twisted it off. The crocea's doing fine and I can't find the scallop so I guess it's okay.
 
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