Clam Pinch

[Greg Hiller]

Scott,

Thanks for the explaination on the clam 'pinch' syndrome. Any idea what the parasite is?

 

[ScottM]

I think minh was wrong when he said "parasite".
I don't think it?s a parasite because that would imply its feeding/hosting on the clam.
I don't think that?s the case at all.
I think it?s more the case of an organism taking shelter. Possibly tiny bristle worms that are hiding in the cover of the clam mantle. Some people have made some crazy claims about what they see, someone on reefland said that there was an organism that was reaching around the edge of the mantle and stabbing it?.... I have yet to see anything like that.
I really believe it?s just a species that's specific to taking shelter in the clam mantle and if it is indeed a parasite its damage inflicted s so minimal it?s undetectable.

 

[Deafasa]

I really believe it?s just a species that's specific to taking shelter in the clam mantle and if it is indeed a parasite its damage inflicted s so minimal it?s undetectable.

I thought the damage inflicted kills your clam? Can you take one out and put it under a microscope? That should show you if any unwanted nasties are hanging out.

Jeff

 

[ScottM]

the clam dies as a result of being closed. it cannot feed and does not get enough light.
The culprit irritates the clam and causes it to close.

 

[Armando]

If I may, I'd like to compose a little joke

One clam said to another:
- I am happy as a clam!

And the other clam replied:
- Me too!

And the first clam said:
- I must be dreaming! Pinch me!