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Eight species of Giant Clam are described
world wide, all on the CITES list of endangered species. Only two
of the smaller species are extant in the Indian Ocean today. Praslin
Ocean Farm specializes in the Tridacna maxima clam as shown here.
The giant clam cultivation is located on shore at Praslin Ocean Farm
in 4 different pools or "raceways" and clams are exported as aquarium
pets to Europe and USA. They make beautiful decorations in marine aquariums with
colours ranging from electric blue, vivid green, subtle pink and purple
to golden. They all display different, intricate patterns which makes
each unique.
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| Giant clams live in symbiosis with a micro algae
called Zooxanthellae, and through photosynthesis the zooxanthellae feed
glucose directly into the bloodstream of the hosted clam. This is the main
reason for the ability of the clam to obtain its impressive size in the
relative nutrient-poor tropical waters. Actually, all reef building corals have
zooxanthellae as a symbiont and can hardly survive without. |
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