Marine Creature of the Month FEB '19
Giant Clam Tridacna Gigas Photo from Maritime Review Kingdom: Animalia Class: Bivalvia Conservation Status: Vulnerable (Vu) WHERE ARE THEY FOUND? Giant clams are found across the South Pacific and Indian Oceans. They live off the coast of Australia, the Philippines, India, and East Africa. These are mostly tropical waters. WHAT IS THEIR HABITAT? They live in reefs like the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. They can be found in depths up to 20m (66ft) upon coral sands or broken coral. Being relatively shallow, these waters are light and warm, and support quite a complex ecosystem. Giant clams share their home with microscopic plankton and phytoplankton as well as bigger creatures such as dolphins, whales, sharks, and sea turtles. Not to mention the thousands of fish species which reefs support. Photo from 1770 Reef WHAT DO THEY EAT? Giant clams are filter feeders. They eat the microscopic life forms floating in the water co...