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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.
200-400 PAR at the clam mantle. Most full-spectrum reef LEDs at 50-75% power, mounted 12-18" above the clam, hit this range.
Photosynthesis from zooxanthellae provides 70-80% of nutrition. Supplement with phytoplankton 2-3x weekly for optimal growth.
On rockwork at mid-to-upper levels. Never on sand (sand particles damage the byssal opening). They will attach to rock via byssal threads within 1-2 weeks.
2-4 inches per year in optimal conditions. Captive clams typically reach 8-10 inches over 5-7 years.
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