Source: Wikimedia Commons
Maxima Clam
IntermediateTridacna maxima
Reaching about 42 cm in shell length, with an undulating shell margin and a mantle densely patterned in fine blue and green markings. It is the second most traded clam after T. crocea, and has the widest range in the family.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
24〜27℃
Size
Shell length to about 42cm
Diet
Mainly photosynthesis by the zooxanthellae in its mantle; small specimens also filter-feed on phytoplankton.
About
Tridacna maxima ranges from Egypt to the Pitcairn Islands and from Ogasawara, Japan, to Lord Howe Island, the widest distribution in the family. The shell margin undulates, and the clam attaches its base to rock by byssal threads, growing partly embedded. Zooxanthellae live in its mantle, which in most specimens carries dense, fine blue and green markings; it is the second most traded clam for aquariums after T. crocea. Strong lighting is essential because most of its nutrition comes from photosynthesis in the mantle, but it does not bore as deeply into rock as T. crocea, so placement is somewhat more flexible. It will attach by its byssus once settled, so choose the position at the outset. The IUCN assessed it as Least Concern in 2024, but as a member of the Tridacnidae it is covered by the blanket CITES Appendix II listing. Most clams sold in Japan are cultured.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Maxima Clam
The Maxima Clam grows to Shell length to about 42cm.
SeaLifeBase gives its depth range as 0-35 m and a maximum shell length of about 42 cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Maxima Clam
The ideal temperature for the Maxima Clam is 24〜27℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Indo-Pacific, from Egypt to the Pitcairn Islands and from Ogasawara, Japan, to Lord Howe Island, at depths of 0-35 m
Size
Shell length to about 42cm
Temperature
Care Specifications
- Carbonate (KH)
- 8–12 dKH
- Water Temp.
- 24–27℃
- Specific Gravity
- 1.023–1.025
- Salinity
- 33–35 ppt
- Calcium (Ca)
- 400–450 ppm
- Magnesium (Mg)
- 1280–1350 ppm
PeacefulLight: High (PAR>150)Flow: MediumPlacement: Middle
Sources: SeaLifeBase (Tridacna maxima) / LiveAquaria (Hybrid Maxima Clam, Aquacultured) / AlgaeBarn: Water Parameters 101
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Tridacna maxima (Röding, 1798)
Synonyms: Tridachnes maxima Röding, 1798, Tridacna compressa Reeve, 1862, Tridacna acuticostata G. B. Sowerby III, 1912
Authority databases: WoRMS
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
CITES Appendix IIIUCN LC · Least Concern
Sources: CITES Appendix II (Tridacnidae spp. listed as a family) / IUCN Red List 2025-2 (assessed 2024, via SeaLifeBase)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Maxima Clam Listings
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