cleaner clams disappeared

[dancelsha]

I purchased 2 saltwater cleaner clams and acclimated them (2 hrs, drip method) then placed them in my 55 salt tank. (tank has been established for appx 3 years)
They layed on the top of the sand the rest of the day. Next morning they were nowhere in sight. Havent seen them since.

That was 3 weeks ago.
Did they die under the sand/gravel? I havent tried to dig them up. Should I?
I've never had clams before so not sure what to do here. Thanks.

 

[triggerfre]

Nope they are fine. They burry themselves in the sand and filter feed there. You will probaly never see them unless you dig them up. I have some and have dug them up and they are fine. They just reburry themselves again.

 

[blocky]

maybe a fish ate them (most likely), they got killed under a rock (somewhat likely), or the infamous shrimp burglar payed your house a visit.

 

[jesses89]

ok so the clams burry themselves and filter feed INNNNNN the sand right?
i want to purchase some cleaner clams but.. what do they feed on in the sand? ty

 

[wopilot]

Yes Jesses89 INNNNNNN the sand, and they filter feed on the micro algae and organisms that don't get filtered mechanically

 

[bang guy]

They stay in the sand but they stick up a clear insiphon and an outsiphon into the water column. If you look carefully you may see these structures.

 

[drewissett]

OK,
Your clams are alright for sure
they bury themselves in the sand.
Its how they feed.

 

[dancelsha]

THANK YOU EVERYBODY!!!
Good to know they're fine, but wish I could see them. Maybe someday.

 

[dancelsha]

I just did a little work on my profile and wanted to see how it turned out.
I'm new at this forum stuff. :notsure:

 

[ninjamini]

Also when they start to die they will unburry themselves.

 

[bobwire]

Originally Posted by ninjamini
Also when they start to die they will unburry themselves.
Are you sure that they unbury themselves everytime?

 

[ninjamini]

Originally Posted by BobWire
Are you sure that they unbury themselves everytime?
In my, admittedly very limited, experience yes. Or they get dug up by the shrimp and hermits. One time I had my one foot fire worm make a trip across the tank to take his fill. When they die I even let the sit in there for a day to be chow for the pack. Heck I know how good they are all raw and stuff.