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Squamosa clams are recognizable by their distinctive scaled (fluted) shell - leaf-like projections that give them the common name "fluted clam." Mid-size at 10-18 inches and one of the more forgiving giant clams in terms of lighting requirements. Mantle colors range from gold to brown to subtle blue/green patterns.
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: 75 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.
Squamosa Clam diet: Photosynthetic + filter feeding. 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, peaceful corals.
Avoid: Mantle-nippers.
Mass spawning in wild.
Shell damage from rough handling; pyramidellid snails; calcium deficiency.
Squamosa develops distinctive leaf-like shell projections (squamae) - decorative ridges that serve as camouflage in the wild.
150-300 PAR. Less demanding than Maxima or Crocea.
10-18 inches over 10-15 years in captivity.
Yes - tolerate the mixed lighting and parameters typical of well-run mixed reef tanks.
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