Is it a clam ?

[Rich Creed]

I rescued a 3 in. empty conch shell which someone had brought back from the Florida coast that had a 1/2 anemone (origin unknown) and two shells (about a 1/4 in. long) which appear to be clams attached to it. The clams are just half shells. A small finger will come out from under the shell apparently to feed. What can theses shells be and is there any way to feed them ?

[crvz]

They're likely filter feeders. Not sure how to actively feed them, any chance to get some pictures?

[Rich Creed]

Thanks for the reply. Tried to take pictures but can't seem to get a clear shot. Will try again and post back. Thanks Again!

[crvz]

No problem. See if your camera has a macro setting, it may help in getting a good picture of a small object.

[Rich Creed]

All I have is a Kodak EasyShare CW330. Tough to get good closeups. As far as I can tell it has no Macro setting. I'll keep trying. Thanks SS

[Rich Creed]

Some photos of clams and anemone attached to conch shell.
(I hope I did this right)

[Neuticle]

looks like an oyster or a mussel, hard to see though

[Rich Creed]

Thanks for the reply. I thought mussels & oysters had a full shell (not half) ?

[crvz]

Is the anemone in the shell and the other thing on the right side? Kind of hard to tell, not sure what you've got. But, if they were just hanging out on that shell, likely they're simple filter feeders that aren't inherently dangerous to your tank inhabitants. Though it's always a gamble.

[Rich Creed]

Yes. The two clams are attached to the right side. One above the other.If you enlarge the picture on the left you may be able to see a small finger coming out of the bottom clam. Also the anemone is inside the shell.

[Neuticle]

Originally Posted by Rich Creed

Thanks for the reply. I thought mussels & oysters had a full shell (not half) ?

They do, the other half is growing along the base material, in this case, the shell

[Rich Creed]

Thanks for the info. I think I'll research into that a bit and see what I can learn.

[Rich Creed]

Here are a few more pictures. My camera won't do much better. There's actually 4 all together. They seem to be all the same kind of mussel or clam. Would appreciate any input on filter feeders or any advice on how to keep them alive. Thanks in advance!!

[wharyat]

Yep, they're some sort of encrusting oyster, I've got quite a few of them also. Just a harmless filter feeder.

[Rich Creed]

Vince, What do you feed these oysters with? would like very much to keep them alive!!!!