Are you looking for a pet who won’t chew your shoes or shred the couch cushions while you’re at work? Consider adding maxima clams to your family. They’re intriguing, don’t shed, and they won’t break the bank with their diet.
Speaking of diets, what do freshwater clams eat? Do they eat the same food as reef clams?
Read on and explore how to keep clams healthy and happy by feeding them what they love.
Where Will Your Clam Live?
Before you welcome a clam into your home, it’s a good idea to learn a few clam facts.
First, there are different types of freshwater clams, but you’ll usually only find one, Corbicula sp., living in aquariums. You’ll find more of a variety of saltwater clams, like the maxima, to keep as pets, or for a hobby.
All clams live in aquariums, but you will need to set-up a reef environment for your maxima clams. Of course, that means adding a few reef fish to the tank. Be aware that some species of angelfish and hermit crabs don’t make good tankmates.
What Do Freshwater Clams Eat for Breakfast?
We’re not sure clams of any variety divide their meals into breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will, however, need to ensure both freshwater and saltwater clams get enough of the necessary nutrients to survive.
Think of freshwater clams as your aquarium cleaning crew. Called filter feeders, they filter their meals from the water column in the tank. These clams like the tank a little messy!
That said, if you adopt them, you’ll still need to give some supplemental feedings. Freshwater clams do such a fantastic cleaning job that they can quickly deplete the food in the aquarium.
You can help them get enough to eat by including aquatic plants in the tank and giving them supplemental phytoplankton. Some hobbyists also feed fish flakes or pellets.
How to Keep Freshwater Clams Alive
Like any pet, you’ll need to prepare the environment before you bring freshwater clams home. It’s not enough to dump them into a fish tank and leave them to their own devices.
Tank size matters! Make sure you have at least a 20-gallon aquarium. Freshwater clams also love to burrow. Please give them a medium to a very fine sandy bottom.
The size of the tank is critical, but so is the condition of the tank water. You’ll need to test the water periodically to ensure the following:
- pH: 7.0 – 8.0
- Temperature: 70 – 80 degrees
- Ammonia and Nitrites: 0 ppm
Freshwater clams are not out to pick a fight with their tankmates. If you’re careful not to pair them with fish species, like the freshwater puffer, that prey on invertebrates, they’ll feel (and be) more secure. They will make friends with a variety of snails, shrimp, and catfish.
Enjoy Learning about Freshwater Clams?
We hope today’s post inspires you to add a few clams to your aquarium. Now that you no longer wonder, “what do freshwater clams eat?” why not buy freshwater clams online?
If you’ve loved reading today’s article, take a look at our archives. There’s plenty more there, and we think you’ll enjoy them!
