Golden Clam, lat. Corbicula javanica- Corbicula javanica distribution
Family: Corbiculidae;
Genus: Corbicula;
Species and synonyms: Golden Clam (Corbicula javanica, Golden Clam, Yellow Clam, Yellow Mangrove Clam, Goldene Körbchenmuschel).
GBIF:
Golden Clam (lat. Corbicula javanica) is a species of freshwater bivalve mollusk from the order Venerida, family Corbiculidae, genus Corbicula. A popular aquarium mollusk used for water purification.
Distribution. The natural range of the Golden Clam covers freshwater bodies of Southeast Asia: China, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and other countries. Mollusks prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, often found in rivers, lakes, canals, rice paddies and ponds.
Care requirements. The Golden Clam is a small mollusk, growing up to 2–3 cm in the aquarium. To keep a group (at least 5–6 specimens), an aquarium of at least 50 liters with sandy or fine gravel substrate, into which the clams can burrow, is recommended. Optimal water parameters: temperature 20–28°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.5–8.0. Filtration with moderate flow, aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary.
Golden Clams are filter feeders, feeding on suspended particles, algae, bacteria and organic debris in the wild. In the aquarium, they purify the water by filtering it through themselves. Additionally, they can be fed with specialized foods for filter feeders (algae suspensions, liquid foods).
In the aquarium, Golden Clams are active in the lower water layers, often burrowing into the substrate or lying on the surface. They are peaceful and pose no danger to fish and other inhabitants. Recommended tankmates include any peaceful fish, shrimp, other mollusks. It is not recommended to keep them with aggressive or predatory fish that may damage them.
Breeding in home aquariums is possible but difficult due to the specifics of reproduction. Golden Clams are dioecious mollusks that reproduce via planktonic larvae. Successful breeding requires certain conditions, including brackish water. In aquarium keeping, breeding is not usually practiced; most specimens come from the wild or specialized farms.
The Golden Clam gets its name from its characteristic egg-shaped yellow or golden shell with concentric lines. The shell is smooth and shiny. It is one of the most popular mollusks for aquariums, as it effectively purifies water from suspended particles and organic debris. Life expectancy is 3–5 years.