Book Description

"The Giant Clams" is the author’s complete coverage of these remarkable reef-dwelling animals, which has been written and photo-illustrated for anyone interested in them. Inside you’ll find information on: the biology of giant clams, the common and uncommon species, the problems they face, how they are aquacultured, and much more. The book also includes over 500 photographs and illustrations. Table of Contents: Preface Introduction Chapter 1: Tridacnine Anatomy, Physiology, and Reproduction Tridacnine Shells Tridacnine Soft Parts How Tridacnines Work Tridacnine Reproduction Chapter 2: Tridacnine Miscellanea Ecological Roles Some Other Symbionts Mantle Coloration Dealing with UV Exposure to Air Jerking and Squirting Deformities and Funky Mantles The Biggest Clams Tridacnine Pearls Maximum Lifespans A Bit More About the ZTS A Few Close Cousins Name Changes, Cryptic Species, and Trees A Variety of Zooxanthellae Attachments and Self-Righting Making Burrows Tridacnine Shells and Humans Chapter 3: The Common Tridacnine Species Tridacna crocea Tridacna maxima Tridacna noae Tridacna derasa Tridacna squamosa Tridacna gigas Hippopus hippopus Chapter 4: The Uncommon Tridacnines and Hybrids Hippopus porcellanus Tridacna mbalavuana Tridacna squamosina Tridacna elongatissima Tridacna rosewateri Hybrid Tridacnines Chapter 5: Tridacnine Troubles Bleaching Bacterial Infections Protozoans and Pinched Mantle Deteriorating Ligaments Boring Sponges and Algae Overgrowing Algae and Corals Bad Worms Predatory and Parasitic Snails Other Predatory Animals Humans Chapter 6: Tridacnine Aquaculture Broodstock and Spawning Gamete Collection Fertilization Larval Rearing Grow-Out On From There References and Image Credits Index You can also find James' giant clam photo galleries and videos and more at jameswfatherree.com.