Order

Common name: File Clams

Limida Moore, 1952

Limoida, commonly known as File Clams, are a fascinating order of bivalve mollusks that are often appreciated for their unique appearance and intriguing behaviors. These clams are known for their laterally compressed bodies and are usually equipped with a pair of long, sensory tentacles that extend from their mantle, which they use to detect changes in their environment. File Clams are found in various marine environments, often nestled among coral reefs or rocky substrates where they can anchor themselves using byssal threads.

One of the most striking features of File Clams is their vibrant and varied coloration, which can include shades of red, orange, yellow, and even iridescent blues and greens. This dazzling display is not only captivating to aquarium enthusiasts but also serves as a form of camouflage or deterrent against predators in the wild. File Clams are filter feeders, drawing in water through their siphons to extract plankton and other small particles for nourishment.

In the aquarium setting, File Clams can be a beautiful and interesting addition, but they require specific care to thrive. They need a well-established tank with stable water parameters and plenty of live rock or substrate to attach themselves. Since they are filter feeders, a mature tank with a healthy population of microfauna is ideal, or they may require supplemental feeding with phytoplankton or specialized filter feeder foods.

Hobbyists should be aware that File Clams can be sensitive to changes in water quality and may not tolerate high levels of nitrates or sudden shifts in salinity. Regular monitoring and maintenance of water conditions are crucial to their health. Additionally, their long tentacles can be tempting targets for fish or invertebrates that may nip at them, so careful selection of tank mates is important to ensure a peaceful environment.