And I thought I was going to get it for $80!

[Ben1]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 72846&rd=1

ANyone ever buy live stock from ebay before?

 

[Anonymous]

Yup, quite a few times, dating back 4 years or so. Never had a problem.

Peace,

Chip

 

[Unarce]

I've had luck with even young clams. Nice color, but the pattern isn't all that great. Looks more like a Crocea with poor mantle extension from that angle. Its profile doesn't seem low enough to be a Maxima. If that's the case, it's even more rare.

 

[Anonymous]

It is a T. max.

 

[Unarce]

It could be. The clams health is a bit questionable. The clams tissue and mantle (which is pinched) at the very bottom seems well receded into the shell. A healthy Maxima or Crocea would go beyond the end of the shell. I don't know how well this one would ship.

 

[Anonymous]

reefnutz, do you have the tools to photoshop that picture and circle your areas of concern on the animal in question??

I _THINK_ I understand what you are talking about, but I am never sure! It sure would help me when I go to the LFS to get my first clam someday.

The clams tissue and mantle (which is pinched)

What do you mean by pinched?

A healthy Maxima or Crocea would go beyond the end of the shell

What is the "end of the shell"?

bottom seems well receded into the shell

Can you circle the area you are talking about here?

Appologies in advance if this has already been covered in a sticky or elsewhere, but the search tool came up with several thousand responses and I am at work...

 

[Unarce]

This is the "end of the shell" that will tell you most of the story:

You'll see the indentation in the mantle. That's most likely a pinch. It's not a huge problem, and some report that a freshwater dip can fix it. I had a large squamosa that did that once, but it just went away. You'll find more examples if you did a Google on pinched mantles.

The thing that concerns me as much as gaping when choosing clams is when the shell protrudes further than the mantle and tissue (like in the picture). This should be at least even, even when the clam is closed. This tells me that the clam has lost tissue mass and may be sick, or was sick and is just recovering. If this is the clams full extension, it's not very healthy. If it does extend out more, chances are, you'll see some gaping, too.

I would ask for a lot more pictures before investing in this one.

Hope this helps.

 

[Ben1]

Pretty but too pricey for me, I'll have to wait to get lucky again at the LFS or get a nice green crocea from Barry instead. Good eye reefnutz!

 

[Unarce]

Thanks!

The one you got last November is a lot prettier.

 

[Ben1]

I know but I love clams, can't get enough of them. Barry's just always sell so fast the nice ones are always gone by the time he loads them up.

All well!

 

[Unarce]

Can you pay him in advance to hold what you're looking for?

 

[tenwest]

If you are looking for clams try this link. I have been to his store and it very clean and well run. Since it is close to me I have never had anything shipped from him but his selection is good. He also runs a special from time to time 10 corals for $100.00. Mostly mushroom and stuff but it is a great deal if you need to stock a large tank.

http://www.exoticfish.com/results.cfm?c ... 03|1680|0&

 

[Ben1]

For clams you have to be able to buy "WYSIWYG" Jeff's doesnt have that. Usually www.clamsdirect.com is my place for clams as Barry is a great guy to deal with but the ones I like always go fast. Now that I got my tax return I am looking....

Thanks though!