Tridacna squamosa

(Lamarck, 1819)

Vernacular names
English : Fluted giant clam
French : Grand bénitier gaufré

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

Identification
The species rarely grows above 45 cm in shell diameter. Its shell is asymetric, elongated and with very conspicuous rows of flutter edges on its radial ridges. Coloration variable, from brown to green or blue with spots or radial stripes.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in the Indo-Pacific region, from Red Sea to South Africa, east to Marshall Islands. Lives in coral reefs in intertidal areas and outer reef slopes, down to 40 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CONSERVATION DEPENDENT
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has a huge range but is collected, sometimes unsustainably, for the aquarium trade. Now farmed and reintroduced.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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