📷 (c) botanygirl, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY
📷 (c) Sockrosma, some rights reserved (CC BY)
📷 (c) Micha Baum, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
IUCN: Vulnerable
Giant Clam
Tridacna gigas
KingdomAnimalia›PhylumMollusca›ClassBivalvia›OrderCardiida›FamilyCardiidae›GenusTridacna
About
The giant clam is the largest living bivalve mollusk and can live embedded in warm shallow reefs for decades. Symbiotic algae in its colorful mantle provide much of its energy through photosynthesis, while the clam also filters plankton. Overharvesting for meat and shells has reduced many populations across the Indo-Pacific.
Key Facts
⛰Habitat Shallow coral reefs and lagoon flats
🍃Diet Filter feeder and symbiosis with photosynthetic algae
📏Size & Weight Shell length up to 1.2 m
•weight Over 200 kg
⏳Lifespan 80–100 years
🗺Range Indo-Pacific coral reefs
InvertebrateMollusk
Key Facts
⛰Habitat Shallow coral reefs and lagoon flats
🍃Diet Filter feeder and symbiosis with photosynthetic algae
📏Size & Weight Shell length up to 1.2 m
•weight Over 200 kg
⏳Lifespan 80–100 years
🗺Range Indo-Pacific coral reefs
Photo Credits
#1(c) botanygirl, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY
#2(c) Sockrosma, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY
#3(c) Micha Baum, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · CC BY-SA
Related Species
