In James Fatherree's clam presentation at MACNA, he said even baby clams don't need phytoplankton supplementation. They can get all of the energy they need from their zooxanthellae. In fact, he said that all of the Tridacna clam species we keep can produce 200-300% of their energy requirements from the zooxanthellae meaning they produce more than they consume.
That is good to know. My crocea is pretty small and I was worried he was getting hungry even though he is looking great. Thanks for the info.
I don't believe that statement! In my experience with small clams they need to be fed or you will end up with a tank of empty clam shells, that guy must be smoking something!
He said the crocea is the shallowest species and needs the most light of all the Tridacnids. In fact, he said all but derasas need MHs.
When answering the question from the audience, he said he raised and studied clams many years before DTs was brought to market and never supplemented phyto. He really stressed the lighting as most important.
Even Barry neuget( owner of clams direct) will recomend that baby maximas should be fed. I been dealing with maximas for five years under 250 DE's....if phyto is fed they grow to that all important two to three inch mark....if not fed they look great for about a year then croak allasuden. I have an autoagraphed book from james but after that crackpot atatment I auto to burn it.....sadly if people take his advice then they are waisitng money on baby maxs.
