How big is the Giant clam?

Giant clam (Tridacna gigas) reaches 60–137 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Giant clam?

Giant clam is found between 1–20 m deep.

Where can you find the Giant clam?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Giant clam (Tridacna gigas)

Key facts

Scientific name: Tridacna gigas
Common name: Giant clam
Category: Molluscs
Family: Cardiidae
Genus: Tridacna
Size: 60–137 cm
Depth: 1–20 m
IUCN status: Endangered (EN)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: reef
Behaviours: sessile, photosynthetic
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Tridacna gigas reaches 1.37 m and 200 kg, the world's largest bivalve. Massive curved shell often encrusted with algae and concretions, spectacular colored mantle in blue, green, purple or brown adorned with geometric patterns depending on symbiotic zooxanthellae density providing sugars via photosynthesis. Lifespan over 100 years. Simultaneous hermaphrodite. Shallow Indo-Pacific. IUCN Endangered from overfishing. Active restoration programs.

Photo of Giant clam

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Giant clam?: Giant clam (Tridacna gigas) reaches 60–137 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Giant clam?: Giant clam is found between 1–20 m deep.
Is the Giant clam dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Giant clam?: IUCN status: Endangered (EN).
Where can you find the Giant clam?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the genus Tridacna

Other species in the family Cardiidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 207670)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 4372619)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia