Q for Daniel Knop-Clams

[DA Mini reefs]

Daniel,
I'm interested in giving captive bred Clams a go in Australia [Brisbane].I have a 4x2x18htank,2x150wt.M/H lamps DSB,live rock & various corals.
Have 1 T maxima, 1 T crocea both have new shell growth and thriving. 3 fish[damsel,maroon clown,coral beauty] do not bother clams at all.Tank has been going over 2 years now and matuering well.
What do I need to start to propagate Clams[max.& crocea]? All Clams are imported here. A total ban on collection from the GB Reef. there is DEFINATLY a market here for captive bred Clams.
Your book on Giant Clams costs about $120 Aus. too expensive for me at the moment.
Any help would be greatfully received.
Regards,
David.
Mini Reefs Australia :?:

 

[Mike King]

Hmm, I'm not Dan, but here's some sources on where to look for info.
the Australian Institute of Marine Science (www.aims.gov.au/index-ie.html ) published the best info on Mraiculture of clams it is listed on their web site. The Center of Tropical and Subtropical aquaculture ( http.library.kcc.hawaii.edu/CTSA/publications/index.html )
also published a very nice workbook on clam farming. I know of some other publications but I left them in American Samoa I would be glad to dig up the USBNs on these upon my return there. If you wish to visit a small scale clam farm I'd be glad to show you around I should be back down there by the end of December 02.

Mike King

 

[DA Mini reefs]

Hi Mike!
Thanks for the reply.
Do you know of a Clam farm in Aus.? Samoa is a bit far for me. Just a thought!! I could certainly sell small Clams in Aus. Do you have an agent here? If not I would be interested. Could you let me know the costs, say for T.Maxima and T.Crocea about 3-4inches long. Blues and Greens would sell like hot cakes. The more I think about this, the latter idea would be the best way to go for me,and we would both make some money.
Do Clams travel well? What would the freight costs be? I could collect them from Brisbane Airport. etc. Please let me know your thorghts.
David
Mini Reefs Australia

 

[Mike King]

Sorry I don't sell the clams, The American Samoa clam farm only raises T. derasa at the moment, it will be about a year or more until any other species are available.

Mike