Tridacna gigas

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Giant clam
French : Bénitier géant

Classification
Class : Bivalvia
Order : Cardiida
Family : Cardiidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The biggest clam species in the world with its shell reaching a length of 1.5 meters and a weight of 250 kg. Shell has no prominent scutes. Mantle extends at various degrees. Coloration very variable. Incurrent siphon lacks tentacles.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in the Indo-Pacific region, from Nicobar Islands to Fiji, north to South-China Sea, south to Australia. Occurs in reef areas, especially shallow lagoons and reef flats, to 20 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix II
Status : One of the most endangered clam species, threatened by overcollection and by pollution of water. Numbers in the wild are now greatly reduced.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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