Maxima Clam

Maxima Clam requires a minimum of 75 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (12 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern. Most Maxima Clam sold at small juvenile size will reach full adult size within 12-24 months and the system must be sized to the adult, not the juvenile.

The Maxima Clam is rated intermediate difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 75 gallons, a temperature of 76-80°F (24-27°C) and pH 8.1-8.4. Adults reach about 12 inches and live 10-20 years. Maxima Clam (Tridacna maxima) is a intermediate-care saltwater species that thrives in tanks of 75 gallons or larger with stable parameters.

Maxima Clam requires standard reef parameters held tightly stable: Temperature: 76-80°F (24-27°C) Specific gravity: 1.025 (refractometer-measured) pH: 8.1-8.4 Alkalinity: 8-9 dKH Calcium: 420-450 ppm Magnesium: 1300-1400 ppm Ammonia + nitrite: Both 0 ppm Nitrate: Under 10 ppm Copper: 0 (lethal to invertebrates) Maxima Clam is sensitive to copper - never medicate the display tank with copper if Maxima Clam is present.

Maxima Clam is a photosynthetic + filter feeder. Powered primarily by photosynthesis through symbiotic zooxanthellae living in the tissue. Supplemental feeding of reef foods supports faster growth but is optional once light + parameters are dialed in. Feed Maxima Clam appropriately for its size + activity level.

Maxima Clam is generally peaceful and compatible with most reef community species. Avoid keeping with predatory fish that view inverts as food: large wrasses (especially halichoeres + thalassoma), triggerfish, pufferfish, and certain large angelfish. Multiple Maxima Clam can share a tank but compete for food. Browse care guides for tankmate-compatibility tables for Maxima Clam and similar species.

Maxima Clam reaches 12 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 10-20 years with proper care. Many marine inverts molt periodically; provide adequate calcium and a stable parameter regime to support healthy molts. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (12 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern.

Maxima Clam is sensitive to copper, ammonia spikes, low oxygen, and rapid parameter swings. NEVER use copper medications in a tank with Maxima Clam. Symptoms of stress: reclusive behavior, color loss, refusal to feed, abnormal molting (incomplete or stuck molts). Most Maxima Clam deaths trace back to acclimation shock or parameter mismatch - drip-acclimate over 45-60 minutes when adding to a new tank.

Maxima Clam (Tridacna maxima) is native to Indo-Pacific reef ecosystems, with wild populations distributed across coral reefs, sandy lagoons, and rocky tide pools. Captive specimens are typically wild-collected; some species are starting to be aquacultured but most Maxima Clam sold today still comes from wild reef collection. Sustainable sourcing matters - look for vendors who can verify their collection practices, and consider aquacultured alternatives when available.