Where is the best place to put a Squamosa Clam in my tank?

The ideal placement is on the substrate or a flat piece of live rock lower down in the aquarium. Ensure it receives moderate, indirect flow and adequate lighting without being blasted directly by wavemakers.

Do I need to feed my Squamosa Clam?

While they derive the vast majority of their energy from photosynthesis, supplemental feeding with live phytoplankton is highly beneficial, especially for small clams under 10 cm (4 inches).

Why is my clam's mantle not fully extending?

Poor mantle extension is a classic sign of stress. This can be caused by inadequate lighting, improper flow, unstable water chemistry (like dropping alkalinity), or tankmates constantly nipping at the flesh.

How fast do Squamosa Clams grow?

Under optimal conditions with stable calcium, alkalinity, and strong lighting, a healthy Squamosa Clam can grow roughly 2 to 4 cm (1 to 1.5 inches) per year until it reaches full maturity.

How do I inspect my clam for pyramid snails?

Check the top edge of the shell and the byssal opening at the bottom of the clam a few hours after the tank lights go out. These tiny, white, rice-shaped snails are nocturnal parasites that must be manually removed.

MarineMarineIntermediate

Squamosa Clam

Tridacna squamosa

A stunning and hardy giant clam prized for its beautifully fluted shell and vibrantly patterned mantle.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 27 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Salinity: 1.023 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 30 – 40 cm
Recommended for full-grown adults: 300 litres+
Lifespan: 50 – 70 years
Diet: Photosynthetic and filter feeder
Water flow: Moderate, indirect
Preferred setup: Stable placement on sand or flat reef rubble where its scutes can anchor

About the Squamosa Clam

Tridacna squamosa, commonly known as the Squamosa Clam or Fluted Giant Clam, is one of the most recognisable bivalves in the marine aquarium trade. Famed for the prominent, leaf-like scales (scutes) that run along its shell, this species uses these structures to anchor itself securely in sandy substrates and reef rubble. The fleshy mantle is highly variable, often displaying striking combinations of brown, green, blue, and gold spots or wavy lines. While it requires dedicated care, stable water parameters, and intense lighting, the Squamosa Clam is generally considered one of the more forgiving Tridacna species for experienced reef keepers.

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Is it right for your tank?

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

Where Squamosa Clam comes from

Native range

Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, Micronesia

Countries / regions

Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Egypt

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs, reef slopes, and sandy substrates surrounded by rubble.

Widespread across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea down to the Great Barrier Reef.

Similar species

Maxima Clam
Tridacna maxima
Derasa Clam
Tridacna derasa
Crocea Clam
Tridacna crocea

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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Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Peaceful, reef-safe fish that will completely ignore the clam.
Great
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
An active algae grazer that leaves sessile invertebrates and clams undisturbed.
Great
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Centropyge bispinosa
Dwarf angelfish may occasionally develop a taste for clam mantles and cause fatal irritation.
Compatible with caution
Copperband Butterflyfish
Chelmon rostratus
Butterflyfish are highly prone to nipping at the fleshy mantles of clams, leading to severe damage.
Not recommended
Picasso Triggerfish
Rhinecanthus aculeatus
Triggerfish have powerful jaws designed for crushing bivalves and will actively prey on the clam.
Not recommended

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