Giant clam (Tridacna gigas)
Tridacna gigas
ok. 1 mAdult individual
Shell length
Shell length
między końcami muszliMeasurement: side
- Mass
- ponad 225 kg u bardzo dużych okazówDorosłe osobniki
Giant clam (Tridacna gigas) — size comparison
The giant clam is a huge bivalve of shallow Indo-Pacific reefs. It has a heavy, folded shell and fleshy mantle visible between its valves. The largest shells ca
Silhouette comparison
Length
między końcami muszliScale for the stated dimensions · each animal is labelled
Shell lengthScale in m
00,20,40,60,81
approx. 1 m
The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.
Giant clam (Tridacna gigas) — size comparison — facts and sources
The giant clam is a huge bivalve of shallow Indo-Pacific reefs. It has a heavy, folded shell and fleshy mantle visible between its valves. The largest shells can exceed a metre in length.
Symbiotic algae live in mantle tissues. They use light, with some photosynthesis products passing to the clam. It also filter-feeds on small food from water. Dependence on light associates adults with shallow, well-lit habitats.