Got a freshwater clam last week and it has yet to open up can I presume that it is dead? water temp: 82, ph: 7, amm, nitrite : 0 trate : 0-5
got a clam last week......
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Or the clam could have died while in its shell. Take it out of the water and sniff it at a distance. If it has a foul odour, it's dead. I say smell at a distance because large snails smell horrible (they give me a bad taste in my mouth they smell so bad), and I'd imagine what clams are like. If you don't smell anything, keep sniffing closer and closer until you're sure it's alive.
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I've never seen freshwater clams in a pet store. Are these Asiatic Clams (Corbicula fluminea) or something else?
I didnt smell anything but I've yet to see it move or open yet. Like the second day it may of tried to dig into the sand but hasnt moved since.
I finally looked really closely and it is open finally! How should I go about attempting to keep this thing alive?
You'll need something to feed it. They filter out plankton and organic debris from the water column; they'll get soem nourishment from uneaten fish food particles and fish waste, but it might not be enough. You could try just adding pond water, if you're brave enough! If the other tank inhabitants are fairly hardy fish, and you have access to a pond that isn't heavily contaminated, then that's my recommendation. If you have delicate species, though, or you're leary of your local ponds, avoid this route.
There are lots of diets for marine filter feeders, but I don't know how suitable they would be for freshwater species.
There are lots of diets for marine filter feeders, but I don't know how suitable they would be for freshwater species.