[Mervione]

When googling Pinctada Maxima it don´t look like the thingy they had in the petshop. That might be because the pictures I find on google are mainly of the mother of pearl inside the shell. The thingy I saw looked more like this http://www.barrierreefaustralia.com/...giant-clam.jpg . I think this confusion might be because I don´t know the difference between clam-mussel-scallop and oyster.

[Mikeyy]

That is a clam. You had it right the first time. Its not a oyster. Maxima is an oyster. Pearls can grow in many types of shell. But the pearl industry uses oysters for growing pearls commercially. Not clams or mussels. What you see in your pic is a giant clam.

[Slraep]

Well, that makes sense. The giant clam is found in the aquarium trade. It is a sessile creature, so you really are better off by saving time and energy tuning into the Mussel Cam once in a while.

Here's what WiKi has to say on the matter:

Conservation status

"The IUCN lists the giant clams as vulnerable. There is concern among conservationists for the sustainability of practices among those who use the animal as a source of livelihood. The numbers in the wild have been greatly reduced by extensive overharvesting for food and the aquarium trade. On the black market, giant clam shells are sold as decorative accoutrements, and the meat, called Himejako in Japan, is prized as a delicacy."

Oh Himejako
a lump on some sushi rice
you were awesome once

Here is a website with some dazzling T. gigas pics. The one of the giant clam spawning is so cool. Check out the two videos too.

http://www.arkive.org/species/GES/in...tml?offset=0px

Slraep

[la_corsetiere]

Originally Posted by Mervione

When googling Pinctada Maxima it don´t look like the thingy they had in the petshop. That might be because the pictures I find on google are mainly of the mother of pearl inside the shell. The thingy I saw looked more like this http://www.barrierreefaustralia.com/...giant-clam.jpg . I think this confusion might be because I don´t know the difference between clam-mussel-scallop and oyster.

I would LOVE to have one of those as a pet! They are actually quite responsive, particularly the ones I saw in French Polynesia, though they won't sit in your lap and purr when you scratch them behind the ears... I was always amazed that they would react when I put my hand in front of them, even at a bit of a distance, almost as if they could see me, but were totally complacent when fish swam in front of them. It was tricky to take photos of them, as they'd always retract when the flash went off. They do have personality, in their way, and of course are very beautiful. Of course, I'd really like to have a school of pet squid as well - also beautiful creatures, and quite friendly, though I did startle one and make it "ink"...

Sheri

[Slraep]

Oh they've got some cool videos on blue mussels too. Ever sit and wonder what a mussel's foot looks like when it goes for a stroll attaching byssal thread? You have? Okay then! Pretty interesting survival strategy for a thing that has no brain.

http://www.arkive.org/species/ARK/in...tml?offset=0px

Slraep

[pattye]

Slraep,

Thanks a bunch for the link to the amazing videos and photos, they are terrific! The only way I will ever get to see something like that----

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[Slraep]

Originally Posted by pattye

Thanks a bunch for the link to the amazing videos and photos, they are terrific! The only way I will ever get to see something like that----

Hi Pattye,

You're welcome! What a fun site, eh? Ever wonder about the mechanics of a whelk? They go over the rocky sea bottom terrain with such EASE. And the video of the crab feasting on the whelk is priceless. He pauses to think and then snips the whelk out!

http://www.arkive.org/species/ARK/in...cinum_undatum/

Slraep

[J Marcus]

Yes, it's true! One can grow these little mussels in captivity. Tell us now--do you see a future for yourself in Southern Idaho?

http://www.garf.org/news23p2.html

How about southern Oregon?

http://www.geothermal.org/articles/fish.pdf

Good luck!

J. Marcus
http://www.flyrodjewelry.com.html

[Caitlin]

I thought I'd trot out 100's, maybe 1,000's of images of tridacna gigas at live search images These are incredibly beautiful, stately animals and they will not drown you no matter what the urban legends say.

[Valeria101]

Not sure about Pteria or other mollusks, but Tridacna (other then Gigas) are fairly mainstream aquarium stock... Now, if only their pearls would be anywhere as colorful as the animals making them

[La Contessa]

I am passionate about cephlopods, especially octopus and cuttlefish. I loved the videos - the giant clams are just beautiful.