{"product_id":"maxima-coloured-cultured-clam-tridacna-maxima","title":"Maxima Coloured Cultured Clam Tridacna Maxima","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eMaxima Coloured Cultured Clam (Tridacna maxima)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Also known as the Small Giant Clam or Maxima Giant Clam)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Maxima Clam (\u003cem\u003eTridacna maxima\u003c\/em\u003e) is one of the most vibrant and sought-after species of giant clam, renowned for its \u003cstrong\u003ebrilliantly coloured mantles\u003c\/strong\u003e that shimmer in shades of \u003cstrong\u003eblue, green, gold, or purple\u003c\/strong\u003e, often with intricate patterns and iridescent highlights. Cultured specimens are sustainably farmed and more adaptable to aquarium life than wild-collected individuals. Reaching around \u003cstrong\u003e20–30 cm (8–12 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e in length, \u003cem\u003eT. maxima\u003c\/em\u003e is the second smallest of the Tridacna species but one of the most visually striking and rewarding for reef keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the \u003cstrong\u003eIndo-Pacific region\u003c\/strong\u003e, including the Red Sea, Fiji, Tonga, the Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef. Found in shallow, sunlit reef flats and lagoons, often attached to hard substrates such as coral rock. Cultured varieties are raised in controlled ocean nurseries to promote sustainability and resilience in aquarium conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh lighting required.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Maxima Clam hosts \u003cstrong\u003esymbiotic zooxanthellae\u003c\/strong\u003e in its mantle tissue, which provide most of its nutrition via photosynthesis. Intense, full-spectrum lighting such as \u003cstrong\u003eLED, T5, or metal halide\u003c\/strong\u003e is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace in the \u003cstrong\u003eupper half of the tank\u003c\/strong\u003e or directly on the substrate under strong lighting.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePAR levels of \u003cstrong\u003e250–400 ¬µmol\/m¬≤\/s\u003c\/strong\u003e are ideal for colour and growth.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow to moderate, indirect flow.\u003c\/strong\u003e Water movement should be sufficient to deliver nutrients and oxygen without disturbing the mantle, which should remain fully open and gently undulating. Avoid direct blasts from powerheads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrimarily \u003cstrong\u003ephotosynthetic\u003c\/strong\u003e, but juvenile or smaller clams benefit from supplemental feeding.\u003cbr\u003eFeed \u003cstrong\u003e1–2 times per week\u003c\/strong\u003e with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive phytoplankton (essential for clams under 3 inches)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarine microalgae blends\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommercial clam or coral foods (fine particulate)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the clam matures, it becomes almost entirely self-sufficient via photosynthesis and filter feeding from the water column.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace the clam on \u003cstrong\u003esolid rockwork or a stable substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e, as it uses a byssal foot to anchor itself.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnsure the mantle receives full, unobstructed light.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid moving the clam frequently; once attached, relocation can damage its foot.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eReef safe and peaceful, but sensitive to predators. Suitable companions include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef-safe fish (clownfish, tangs, gobies, wrasses, etc.)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClean-up crew (snails, hermits, urchins)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther peaceful corals\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eButterflyfish, angelfish (especially large species), puffers, and triggers, which may nip the mantle.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAggression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNon-aggressive.\u003c\/strong\u003e Does not harm or sting other tank inhabitants but should not be placed too close to corals with long sweeper tentacles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntermediate to advanced.\u003c\/strong\u003e Cultured clams are hardy once established but require strong lighting, stable water chemistry, and careful acclimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25–28°C (77–82°F)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026 SG\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness (dKH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 400–450 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMagnesium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1250–1350 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum \u003cstrong\u003e100 litres (25 gallons)\u003c\/strong\u003e for juveniles; \u003cstrong\u003e200+ litres (50+ gallons)\u003c\/strong\u003e for adults\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable calcium and alkalinity are crucial for shell growth. Protein skimming and regular water changes help maintain clarity and trace element balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFully reef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e Will not harm corals or invertebrates and thrives in mature, stable reef systems. Its vivid mantle adds stunning visual contrast to reef aquascapes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864362037623,"sku":"FSH-00418","price":199.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Maxima-Coloured-Cultured-Clam-Tridacna-Maxima.png?v=1773330002","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/maxima-coloured-cultured-clam-tridacna-maxima","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}