Captive-raised Tridacna Clams are relatively easy to care for in aquarium conditions. All clams in this genus harbor symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae. These algae provide most of the food and nutrients the clams need to live. It is important to provide the necessary amount of light to keep their symbiotic algae flourishing. Some species, such as T. Maxima and T. Corcea, prefer to be on rock surfaces high in the tanks under higher par. In contrast, T. Squamosa and T. Derasa are “sand” clams and prefer to be on a sand bed under lower Par. Some aquarists supplement feed with commercial phytoplankton cultures. Tridacna clams do filter feed on this type of plankton, but do not depend on it.
Pomacanthus imperator – The Emperor Angelfish is a hardy large angelfish species famous for their incredible coloration. Beautiful at all life stages, this species has one of the most dramatic color transitions of all marine angelfish. The juveniles have bright white and blue lines and spotting and they begin to develop blue bodies with bright yellow striping as they transform into adults. The transition is exciting to watch, and these bold fish make beautiful, interactive pets.
Acreichthys tomentosus – Aiptasia Eating Filefish aka Matted Filefish are an incredibly helpful species of filefish. They are called the Aiptasia Eating Filefish because of their propensity to eat nuisance anemones which plague most home aquariums like Aiptasia, majano anemones, and some types of hydroids. They do not require Aiptasia and will eat most aquarium foods. These interesting little filefish have the ability to change coloration and blend in with their surroundings rapidly, making it fun to watch them roam around the tank.
This species is reef safe with caution, as some individuals may nip at soft corals, zoas, SPS polyps, fleshy LPS corals, clam mantles, and/or tiny ornamental shrimp. They do well in tanks 30 gallons or larger and are peaceful toward other fish species. They are territorial with their own kind, but can be kept in pairs. It’s easy to sex these fish as adults because the males have clear bristles on the caudal peduncle near the base of the tail, giving this fish its other common name of Bristletail Filefish.