Crocea Mantle Turining Black

[Mobius]

I have a 3-3.5" Crocea in my tank. I've had it for about 2 months.
The mantle seems to be turning darker.
I have a 140 RR with 2 400W halides running blueline 10k bulbs, with 2 110w actinics.
The clam sits about 15" down in the tank. It seems to be healthy. I have a regal tank that nips at the mantle on occasions.

Any ideas why the mantle is turning darker?

Thanks
Mike

[Sue Truett]

Mike, I would think the only reason could be the crocea clam acclimating to your lighting conditions. Clams IME are like sps corals in that they will acclimate to the environment they are in. I have a tear drop maxima that changed colors in the mantle when I moved it from my 180g to my 120g. The only difference in tanks was lighting.


It looks healthy otherwise???

[Mobius]

Sue
This is my first clam, It looks healthy to me.
The mantle is fully extended during the day.
I thought about moving it, but it has attached itself to the rocks.
Once they attach themselves, is there any way to move them?

The only issue I have is my regal tang nips at the mantle on occasion.
It also picks up hermit shells and takes them to the top of the tank and drops them.

Thanks
Mike

[Sue Truett]

Mike, that regal sounds like a pest, but a good pest. LOL... There are several ways to remove clams that have attached, 2 harmlessly and 1 I have not tried. One way is to gently sway the clam back and forth and the clam will release within a while.

Another way is to use an ice cube and hold it as near the byssal threads and it will release. The one way which I have not done and don't intend to but is used is to use a sharp knife, or razor blade and stretch the byssal threads without tearing them and cut the threads as far from the clams body as you can get.

The first method I did in a LFS over a crocea clam that had attached to the stores tank and rock. I got a lot of funny looks but I also got the clam. LOL..