Smooth Clam (Tridacna derasa)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Tridacna derasa
- Common name
- Smooth Clam
- Category
- Molluscs
- Family
- Cardiidae
- Genus
- Tridacna
- Size
- 30–60 cm
- Depth
- 5–30 m
- IUCN status
- Vulnerable (VU)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, solitary
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific
Description
Tridacna derasa reaches 60 cm. Large bivalve with intense red-orange body. Giant clam, zooxanthellae symbiosis. Sessile in coral lagoon. Mixed filter-photosynthesis feeding. Indo-Pacific tropical lagoons, 5-30 m depth. VU (IUCN) - historical overfishing.
Photo of Smooth Clam
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Smooth Clam?
- Smooth Clam (Tridacna derasa) reaches 30–60 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Smooth Clam?
- Smooth Clam is found between 5–30 m deep.
- Is the Smooth Clam dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Smooth Clam?
- IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
- Where can you find the Smooth Clam?
- Found in: Asian Pacific.
Other species in the genus Tridacna
- Tridacna squamosa - Fluted giant clam
- Tridacna crocea - Crocus giant clam
- Tridacna maxima - Maxima clam
- Tridacna gigas - Giant clam
Other species in the family Cardiidae
- Acanthocardia tuberculata - Rough cockle
- Cerastoderma glaucum - Lagoon cockle
- Hippopus hippopus - Hippopus Clam
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 382205)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 4372621)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia