Someone identify these clams please...

musipilot

Member
These little guys appeared just the other day, about a dozen of them. The last live rock that was added was over 3 months ago, strange. They're very small, and vary in color. What is unusual about them is that they poke out of their shells and eat?? off the substrate. Very strange. I have a photo and a video, I'd really appreciate someone letting me know the species if possible.
VIDEO (500K) http://www.miniocean.com/clams.mpg
PHOTO http://www.miniocean.com/clams.jpg
Thanks,
Dave
 
They look a lot like a critter we have in the surf at our local beach. We call them sand fleas and kids love playing with them. do they burrow down into your sand?
 

bang guy

Moderator
I believe they are Coquina Clams , Scientific name: Donax variabilis
If so they may not last too long. I think they require the breaking waves like you would find on a sandy beach.
 

musipilot

Member
I'll check out the scientific name provided, thanks. Yes, they DO burrow in the sand. It occurred to us they may have come with the live sand we added, not with the live rock.
 
My boys came in from fishing so I showed them the picture....they say it is called a periwinkle. They are avid fisherman and spend most of their time at the beach or the pier.
Try a search at www.wetwebmedia.com for periwinkles and see if you can find any info.
I have always heard them called sand fleas. They hang arround with a more educated crowd than I do.
 
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