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| bivalves text index | photo index |
| Phylum Mollusca > Class Bivalvia > Subfamily Tridacninae |
| Fluted
giant clam Tridacna squamosa Family Tridacnidae updated May 2020 Where seen? This beautifully sculptured giant clam is sometimes seen on our undisturbed Southern shores, near living reefs. Features: 15-30cm. The two-part shell has 5-6 rows of deep open flutes on the valves. The wavy shell opening faces the sunlight, while the hinged side is firmly attached to rocks or coral rubble in relatively shallow water near living reefs. It does not burrow into coral or hard surfaces. When submerged, the thick 'lips' of fleshy tissue are expanded. These come in various colours and patterns, from those that camouflage against its surroundings to bright colours. Human uses: Giant clams are considered a delicacy and in some places, an aphrodisiac. The large shells of these magnificent creatures are often turned into tacky souvenirs like ash-trays. There are efforts to cultivate giant clams on a commercial basis so as to reduce over-collection of wild clams. Status and threats: The Fluted giant clam (Tridacna squamosa) is listed as 'Endangered' on the Red List of threatened animals of Singapore. According to the Singapore Red Data Book: "Large specimens have virtually disappeared from our shores. Young specimens are occasionally but infrequently seen". |
 Sisters Island, Jan 04 |
 Thick fleshy 'lips' when submerged. Pulau Biola, May 10 |
 Young Fluted giant clam. Terumbu Semakau, May 12 |
 Big Sisters Island, Jul 13 |
 Terumbu Hantu, Jun 13 |
 Pulau Jong, Nov 08 |
| Fluted giant clams on Singapore shores |
On wildsingapore
flickr
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| Other sightings on Singapore shores |
 Beting Bemban Besar, Apr 10 Photo shared by Loh Kok Sheng on his flickr. |
 Pulau Salu, Aug 10 |
 Pulau Biola, May 10 |
 Pulau Senang, Jun 10 |
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