© Frédéric Ducarme / CC BY-SA 4.0Bear Paw Clam (Hippopus Hippopus)
Bear Paw Clams are a species of giant clam that can grow up to 50cm in shell length, making them one of the larger clams kept in reef aquariums. Their thick, heavy shells are marked with reddish-brown mottling, and their shape resembles a bear's front paw—hence the English name. Unlike some other giant clam species, their mantle tissue doesn't extend past the shell's edge, giving them a more understated, subdued coloration rather than vivid mantle colors. Their sturdy shells and substantial presence make them a striking centerpiece for larger reef tanks. Keeping one well calls for intermediate-level experience and attentive care around lighting and water quality.
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Bear Paw Clam (Hippopus Hippopus) key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Size
- Shell length to 50cm
- Temperature
- 24〜27℃
- Diet
- Mainly photosynthesis by the zooxanthellae in its mantle; small specimens also filter-feed on phytoplankton.
- Lighting
- It depends on photosynthesis in the mantle and needs fairly strong lighting. Less mantle is exposed than in Tridacna species, so it gathers light less efficiently and suffers sooner under weak illumination.
- Flow & Placement
- It lives lying free on sand or rubble, so it can sit directly on the sand bed. The shell is heavy, so choose a spot where the substrate will not give way. Give moderate randomised flow.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- Water 24-27C, specific gravity 1.023-1.025 (33-35 ppt), KH 8-12, calcium 400-450 ppm, magnesium 1280-1350 ppm. Shell growth consumes calcium heavily, so dose and test for it consistently.
- Feeding
- Most of its nutrition comes from photosynthesis by the zooxanthellae in its mantle. Adults need little feeding, but specimens under about 5 cm rely more on filter feeding and benefit from added phytoplankton.
- Notes
- It grows to 50 cm, so long-term keeping needs a correspondingly large footprint. The IUCN lists it as Vulnerable, and as a member of the Cardiidae (subfamily Tridacninae) it falls under the blanket CITES Appendix II listing; trade requires permits. A mantle that will not open, retracted edges, or no response to light all signal trouble. Severing the byssus is usually fatal, so never force a clam off the rock it has attached to. Check at night for parasitic pyramidellid snails around the shell gape and remove them.
About Bear Paw Clam (Hippopus Hippopus)
A guide to Bear Paw Clams (Hippopus hippopus), a large giant clam species reaching up to 50cm in shell length, covering their key features and care basics for intermediate-level keepers.
7 things to know before welcoming a Bear Paw Clam (Hippopus Hippopus)
1Grows to a Large Size
Bear Paw Clams are large giant clams that can reach up to 50cm in shell length. Plan your tank layout with enough room to accommodate their eventual size.
2Intermediate Difficulty Level
Bear Paw Clams are considered suitable for intermediate keepers. Some prior experience managing water quality and lighting will help you get off to a smooth start, and first-time clam keepers should brush up on the basics beforehand.
3Thick, Heavy Shell
Their shells are thick and substantial, marked with reddish-brown mottling. The shell's shape resembles a bear's front paw, which is where the English name "Bear Paw Clam" comes from, and it makes for a sturdy, eye-catching presence in the tank.
4Understated Mantle Color
Bear Paw Clams belong to a type of giant clam whose mantle tissue doesn't extend past the edge of the shell. Because of this, they lack the vivid mantle coloration seen in some other giant clam species, giving them a more subdued, understated look that suits keepers who prefer a quieter aesthetic.
5Needs Strong Lighting
Giant clams host symbiotic algae and rely on photosynthesis for much of their nutrition. Place yours where it will receive adequate lighting, and think carefully about positioning and light selection before adding it to your tank.
6Keep Placement Stable
Bear Paw Clams tend to do best when left undisturbed once settled into a spot. Decide on your tank layout before placing the clam, and avoid moving it around frequently—stability is key to keeping one long-term.
7Prepare Your Tank First
Before bringing one home, make sure your tank's water quality and parameters like calcium are properly balanced. Starting with a well-prepared setup reduces stress on the clam and gets you off to a smoother beginning.
Frequently asked questions about Bear Paw Clam (Hippopus Hippopus)
- Q.How big do Bear Paw Clams get?
- A.Their shell length can reach up to 50cm as they mature, making them one of the larger giant clam species. It's worth planning your tank size around their eventual full-grown size.
- Q.Are Bear Paw Clams suitable for beginners?
- A.Bear Paw Clams are generally considered an intermediate-level species. It's a good idea to have some experience managing water quality and lighting before taking one on.
- Q.What does the shell look like?
- A.The shell is thick and heavy, marked with reddish-brown mottling. Its shape resembles a bear's front paw, which is where the English name "Bear Paw Clam" comes from.
- Q.Does the mantle show bright colors?
- A.Bear Paw Clams have a mantle that doesn't extend past the shell's edge, so their coloration is more subdued than in some other giant clam species. They're a good fit for keepers who like a quieter, understated look.
- Q.Are Bear Paw Clams subject to CITES?
- A.Bear Paw Clam (Hippopus hippopus) is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.
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