Squamosa clam (Tridacna squamosa) care guide

Group
Other invertebrates
Other names
Fluted giant clam, Scaly clam, Scaly giant clam, Tridacna (Chametrachea) squamosa
Family
Cardiidae (subfamily Tridacninae)
Origin
Indian Ocean and South Pacific, from South Africa and the Red Sea east to the Marshall Islands; shallow coral reefs
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
40 cm
Temperature
24–28°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12, SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
200 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
yes

Care

The squamosa or fluted giant clam is a giant clam with large, leaf-like fluted plates (scutes) along the ribs of its shell. The mantle comes in browns, purples, greens and yellows, often in streaks or spots. It grows to about 40 cm across, so give it space to grow. Its small byssal opening means it sits more upright and is less firmly attached than some other clams. Light: like all giant clams it carries symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) in its mantle and gets much of its food from their photosynthesis, spreading the mantle open by day. It needs strong reef lighting, but it is less dependent on light than Tridacna crocea or T. maxima, so it can be kept lower in the rockwork or on the sand bed under moderate to strong light. Acclimatise it to new lighting gradually. Tank set-up: a mature, stable reef tank with good calcium, alkalinity and magnesium. Place it on sand, rubble or a flat rock where it cannot fall, and where corals cannot sting it. Inspect it for pyramidellid snails (tiny white parasitic snails that come out at night) and remove them. Water: about 24–28 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, dKH 8–12 and specific gravity 1.023–1.026, with low phosphate and nitrate but not zero. Selling: giant clams are listed on CITES Appendix II. Captive-bred clams can be sold freely in the UK; imported clams must have been legally imported with CITES paperwork. Copper: copper-based medicines are toxic to shrimp, snails and most invertebrates, and some plant fertilisers carry copper too. Never treat a display tank holding this animal with copper; treat fish in a separate hospital tank, and drip-acclimatise new arrivals slowly. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tridacnasquamosa). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Mostly feeds through its zooxanthellae, using light. Also filters phytoplankton and fine particles; small clams under about 10 cm benefit from regular phytoplankton dosing.

Breeding

Giant clams are hermaphrodites that spawn eggs and sperm into the water, usually releasing sperm first. Larvae settle after about a week to two and must take up zooxanthellae. Squamosa clams are widely farmed in clam farms, so captive-bred stock is often available, but spawning in home aquariums rarely produces young.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe. Keep away from corals that can sting it. Angelfish, some butterflyfish, puffers, triggers and some wrasses nip clam mantles. Pyramidellid snails and some hermit crabs and bristle worms can attack weak clams.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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