Giant clam

Giant clam

Blue Lipped Clams (Tridacna maxima) Also known as the small giant clam, is a species of bivalve found throughout the Indo-Pacific. The attractive colours of the small giant clam are the result of pigment cells, which have a crystalline structure inside. These are thought to protect the clam from the effects of intense sunlight, or bundle light to enhance photosynthesis, the energy-producing process carried out by the tiny algae living within.

Despite traditional and modern protections, Palau's massive mollusks are at risk.

“Giant clam is a clear understatement here. National Geographic Orion's dive master @livingcookiesdream swims next to this 4' behemoth in the underwater…”

Giant clams, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. Photo credit: Scuba Caraga.

Giant clams were a large variety of the creatures of the same name, also including oysters and scallops.[2][3] These were soft-bodied creatures that lived in the mantle cavity of protective shells. The abductor muscles of these creatures acted as a hinge for these shells and were quite powerful.[2][3] Lining the lips of their shell were numerous, hair-like cilia.[4] These were small tentacles about 2 feet (0.61 meters) in length, which they used to grasp and move prey. These were too weak…

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Sea Shell 423

Giant Clam

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 on Instagram: “The giant clam is appropriately named, as it is the largest clam and the largest bivalve (clam, oyster, or mussel) in the world. This…”

Giant Clam on #GreatBarrierReef #Queensland #Australia

Tridacna Gigas "Giant Clam" Shell Pair, Indo-Pacific Oceans, this specimen has been fitted with metal rods to hold the shells in an open position, lg. 38 x wd. 22 in.

Photo taken at the Challenger Bay dive site on the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia.