ORA Derasa Clam

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Moderate
• Lighting Requirement: Medium/High (150-350+ PAR)
• Flow: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Placement: Sandbed
• Approximate Purchase Size: 5"

Overview

Tridacna derasa is known as a “sand” clam. It prefers clear water, and after reaching sexual maturity, it will release the attaching threads and move to a sandy area. They are usually colored with orange/yellow and black stripes and have a blue rim. It is one of the largest clams, growing to 16 inches in length. This is a very easy clam to keep in aquariums and should be placed directly on the sandbed.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The clam you receive may vary in appearance.

Water Parameters

Derasa Clams thrive in clear, stable water conditions. They have a hard skeleton and will consume calcium and alkalinity as they grow, often requiring additional supplementation. Routine water testing helps ensure these needs are consistently met.

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.024-1.026
• Temperature: 75-78 Degrees F
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Alkalinity: 8-9dKH
• Calcium: 380-450ppm
• Magnesium: 1300-1450ppm
• Nitrate (NO3): 10-30ppm
• Phosphate: 0.01-0.1ppm
• Nitrite (NO2): Undetectable
• Ammonia (NH3): Undetectable

Lighting Requirements

Derasa Clams usually do best in moderate to high lighting, around 150-350 PAR. For those with mixed reef tanks, a PAR meter is invaluable for fine-tuning light levels across different areas, helping ensure each photosynthetic organism gets the right intensity for its needs.

Ideal Tank Placement

Place the clam directly onto the sandbed and do not move it unless absolutely necessary.

Water Flow Requirements

Moderate, steady flow is ideal. Too much direct flow may cause them to close.

Aggressiveness and Compatibility

Derasa clams are peaceful invertebrates, but can get quite large, so it's important to give them room to grow. Avoid keeping clams in a tank with fish that may pick on the clam's mantle.

Feeding and Nutrition

While they are photosynthetic, Derasa clams will benefit from feeding live phytoplankton to the tank.

Growth Rate

Clams grow relatively slowly, however, Derasa Clams get quite large. Full grown, they can be about 16" in length!