Giant Clam

About the Giant Clam

The largest bivalve mollusk, weighing up to 200 kg. They get most of their nutrition from symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues. Their mantle comes in brilliant blues, greens, and purples. They cannot actually trap divers despite the myth - their closing is far too slow. They can live 100+ years. They are the only Bivalvia with zooxanthellae. They are found in shallow reef flats. They are overharvested for food and the aquarium trade. Their shell valves can weigh 100+ kg each. Over 10 species exist. They are protected by CITES.