How do I know if my Asian Clam is dead?

A dead clam will usually gape completely open and fail to close its shell when gently prodded or removed from the water. If you suspect it is dead, take it out and smell it; a decomposing clam will have a distinctly foul odour. Remove dead clams immediately to prevent severe ammonia spikes.

Do Asian Clams clean algae off the aquarium glass?

No. They are filter feeders that extract microscopic food (phytoplankton and infusoria) directly from the water column. They do not scrape algae from glass, rocks, or decorations.

Why is my clam's shell turning white and flaking?

This is a sign of shell erosion, usually caused by acidic water (pH below 7.0) or insufficient calcium in the tank (low GH). Ensure your water parameters are hard and alkaline to maintain a healthy shell.

Can I keep an Asian Clam in a gravel substrate?

It is highly discouraged. Asian Clams naturally burrow to feel secure and position themselves for feeding. Rough or large gravel prevents them from burying properly, causes stress, and can physically damage their shells. Fine sand is strictly required.

Do I need to feed my Asian Clam, or is the tank water enough?

You must feed them. Modern aquariums are simply too clean to provide enough microscopic food naturally. You need to target-feed them with liquid phytoplankton, powdered spirulina, or specialty invertebrate foods several times a week.

FreshwaterTropicalAdvanced

Asian Clam

Corbicula fluminea

The Asian Clam is a fascinating but demanding freshwater filter feeder that spends its life buried in the substrate, making it a unique addition only for advanced aquarists.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 15 – 28 °C
pH range: 7 – 8.5
Hardness: 10 – 20 dGH
Adult size: 2 – 5 cm
Minimum volume for stable water chemistry and sufficient microscopic food.: 40 litres+
Lifespan: 1 – 5 years
Diet: Obligate filter feeder; requires phytoplankton, infusoria, and finely powdered invertebrate foods.
Water flow: Moderate to ensure constant delivery of suspended food particles.
Preferred setup: Deep, fine sandy substrate (at least 5 cm) to allow natural burrowing behaviour.

About the Asian Clam

The Asian Clam, commonly sold as the Golden Clam, is a small, hard-shelled bivalve that naturally inhabits the sandy floors of rivers and lakes across Eastern Asia. In the aquarium trade, they are frequently marketed as a natural filtration system or 'cleaner' crew. However, this label is misleading; rather than cleaning the glass or substrate, they actively pull suspended microscopic organisms from the water column. Due to their specific dietary needs, they are best suited for highly mature aquariums and experienced keepers who understand their care requirements.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Asian Clam against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Asian Clam comes from

Native range

Eastern Asia, Southeast Asia

Countries / regions

China, Japan, Korea, Republic of, Taiwan, Russian Federation, Thailand, Philippines

Habitat

Sandy and muddy bottoms of freshwater lakes, streams, and rivers.

Highly invasive globally; established populations now exist across North America, South America, and Europe.

Similar species

Freshwater Mussel
Unio spp.
Pill Clam
Pisidium spp.

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Shrimp are peaceful, will not bother the clam, and enjoy similar well-oxygenated water parameters.
Great
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras spp.
Gentle substrate dwellers that stir up detritus and infusoria, inadvertently feeding the clam without harming it.
Great
Malaysian Trumpet Snail
Melanoides tuberculata
While peaceful, heavy populations of burrowing snails may disturb the clam or outcompete it for trace nutrients.
Compatible with caution
Clown Loach
Chromobotia macracanthus
Loaches are specialised snail and bivalve predators that will easily crack or suck the clam from its shell.
Not recommended
Dwarf Crayfish
Cambarellus spp.
Crayfish are opportunistic omnivores and will attempt to prey on small bivalves.
Not recommended

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