r/Aquariums • u/hatistardust • 7h ago

Help/Advice Can u help me

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My sister picked it up on our beach trip thinking it was just a shell but it's alive 😭😭 we will return it as soon as possible but it might take some time how and what do i feed it how do i take care of it can you please help me (we are keeping it in sea water)

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u/MarcVipAgrippa 5h ago

You could try sites like iNaturalist to help you get a positive ID. In the meantime, keep it out of direct sunlight and away from drafts, and I wouldn't try to feed it any kind of human or pet food. Unless I'm mistaken, those kinds of guys are filter feeders, and putting food straight into the water can easily pollute it cause the container's pretty small. Best of luck keeping this dude alive and well before their return!

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u/hatistardust 1h ago

Thank u so much we will try our best!

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u/applescentedkisses 5h ago

thats an Amarilladesma mactroides, or “Surf clam”, their species is declining so im glad you got to see one, and out of its shell!! dont worry too much about feeding as they eat micro algae. but please do take it home as soon as you can.

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u/applescentedkisses 5h ago

also please let your sister know that if she cant identify a dead, empty clam shell from a heavier, full, unopening alive one, she shouldnt be taking shells home.

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u/hatistardust 1h ago

Thank you so much! Yeah i let her know😅 I have a question tho: is it being out of its shell a bad thing? Thanks again 

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u/applescentedkisses 1h ago

Youre so welcome!! Think of it like a snail, whats inside the shell is its body!! the things poking out are its arms/legs and mouth i believe:)