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The Fluted Giant Clam, Tridacna
squamosa, is one of a number of large clam species native
to the
shallow coral reefs of the South Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is
distinguished by the presence of large leaf-like fluted edges on its
shell called 'scutes' which are often used as shelter by organisms such
as small crabs, clams and other invertebrates. Normal colouration of
the mantle ranges from browns and purples to greens, blues and yellows
which are arranged in elongated linear or spot-like patterns. The
two-part shell has 5-6 rows of deep open flutes on the valves. The wavy
shell opening faces the sunlight, while the hinged side is firmly
attached to rocks or coral rubble in relatively shallow water near
living reefs.
The clam grows to around 40 cms in length and
feeds on algae and
phytoplankton for its nutrition. By day the clam spreads out its mantle
tissue to act as a habitat for the algae to receive the sunlight they
need to photosynthesize. Tridacna
squamosa does not harm other
organisms and despite its ability to shut completely, it faces danger
from anemones,
trigger fish and puffers which are its natural predators. Man has
always valued the clam for food, decoration and aquarium trade and it
is this danger which is the more serious, so this beautifully
sculptured giant clam is more often seen in undisturbed environments
near living reefs.
Even
though it is a popular food item and its shell is sought after for
decorative purposes, the fluted giant clam is being carefully monitored
and is currently listed as Lower Risk/Conservation Dependent in the
2004 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 
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