ORA Hippopus Clam - 2"

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Moderate
• Lighting Requirement: Medium/High (150-350+ PAR)
• Flow: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Placement: Sandbed
• Approximate Purchase Size: 2"

Overview

Horse Hoof clam, Bear Paw clam or Strawberry clam are all common names for Hippopus hippopus. One of the most unique ornamental clam species available to hobbyists, its mantle does not extend over the edges of its distinctly thick shell. Golden in color with vibrant pinstripes and purple or green dots. As one of the hardier of the clam species, Hippopus prefer to be placed on the substrate of the aquarium and will tolerate a range of lighting intensities. This species can reach sizes of up to 30” in length.

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

Water Parameters

Hippopus 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

Hippopus 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

Hippopus 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, 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!