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Maxima clams are the most colorful of the Tridacna giant clams - mantle colors include electric blue, gold, purple, teal, and rainbow combinations. They are photosynthetic via symbiotic zooxanthellae and demand high-PAR reef lighting (200-400 PAR) to thrive. Among the most rewarding reef inverts for keepers committed to providing the lighting and stable parameters required.
Native range: Indo-Pacific reefs. Most US trade specimens come through marine wholesale suppliers in Indonesia, the Philippines, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. Wild collection remains the primary sourcing method for the majority of marine inverts - few are captive-bred at commercial scale. Quality of acclimation at the wholesale/retail stage is the biggest single predictor of long-term survival in home aquaria.
Tank size: 50 gallons. Parameters: temperature 76-82°F, salinity 1.024-1.026, plus the standard reef tank requirements - stable calcium 420-440 ppm, alkalinity 8-10 dKH, magnesium 1300-1400 ppm, nitrate under 25 ppm, phosphate under 0.05 ppm. The species requires conditions consistent with a healthy reef tank rather than nutrient-stripped sterile water - well-established systems with diverse microfauna and biofilm typically support these inverts better than newly-cycled tanks.
Lighting: depends on species. Photosynthetic inverts (clams, anemone-symbiotic species) require high-PAR reef LED lighting. Filter-feeders (worms, scallops) prefer moderate lighting and benefit from particulate-rich water. Flow: moderate, indirect flow works for most inverts - direct high-velocity flow stresses or damages soft-bodied species.
Acclimation: drip acclimate over 2-4 hours for hardy species, 4-8 hours for sensitive species (Linckia stars, sea hares, demanding nudibranchs). Never expose inverts to air during transfer - capture in a bowl underwater and transfer wet.
Maxima Clam diet: Photosynthetic (zooxanthellae) + filter feeding on phytoplankton. Feeding strategy depends on dietary type. Algae eaters require established tanks with biofilm and microalgae growth - new tanks lack the algal base they need. Carnivore inverts (starfish, some snails) need targeted meaty feedings 2-3x weekly. Filter feeders (clams, worms, scallops) need phytoplankton in the water column. Photosynthetic species need adequate lighting plus supplemental amino acid or coral food dosing.
Safe: Reef-safe fish (most clowns, tangs, wrasses, gobies), peaceful corals at distance.
Avoid: Fish that nip clam mantles (large angelfish, some triggers, large puffers), aggressive nudibranchs (Pyramidellidae).
Captive spawning rare. Reproduces via mass-spawning events in the wild releasing pelagic larvae.
Pinched mantle (parasitic Pyramidellid snails); rapid expansion + closure cycles indicating stress; bleaching from low light or temperature shock.
Maxima clams are the most colorful of the Tridacna giant clams - mantle colors include electric blue, gold, purple, teal, and rainbow combinations. They are photosynthetic via symbiotic zooxanthellae and demand high-PAR reef lighting (200-400 PAR) to thrive. Among the most rewarding reef inverts for keepers committed to providing the lighting and stable parameters required. Most US trade specimens come through marine wholesale suppliers in Indonesia, the Philippines, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.
The Maxima Clam needs a tank of at least 50 gallons. Parameters: temperature 76-82°F, salinity 1.024-1.026, plus the standard reef tank requirements - stable calcium 420-440 ppm, alkalinity 8-10 dKH, magnesium 1300-1400 ppm, nitrate under 25 ppm, phosphate under 0.05 ppm. The species requires conditions consistent with a healthy reef tank rather than nutrient-stripped sterile water - well-established systems with diverse microfauna and biofilm typically support these inverts better than newly-cycled tanks.
The Maxima Clam is rated advanced difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 50 gallons, a temperature of 76-82°F and salinity of 1.024-1.026. Adults reach about 6-12 inches and live 20-100 years. Maxima clams are the most colorful of the Tridacna giant clams - mantle colors include electric blue, gold, purple, teal, and rainbow combinations.
Maxima Clam diet: Photosynthetic (zooxanthellae) + filter feeding on phytoplankton. Feeding strategy depends on dietary type. Algae eaters require established tanks with biofilm and microalgae growth - new tanks lack the algal base they need. Carnivore inverts (starfish, some snails) need targeted meaty feedings 2-3x weekly. Filter feeders (clams, worms, scallops) need phytoplankton in the water column.
Pinched mantle (parasitic Pyramidellid snails); rapid expansion + closure cycles indicating stress; bleaching from low light or temperature shock. Keeper note: High PAR lighting non-negotiable - place 6-18" below high-output reef LEDs. Position on rockwork (never sand) so the byssal gland can attach. Stable salinity (1.025) and calcium 420-440 ppm essential.
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