Freshwater Clams

Freshwater clams are found adequately in freshwater sources like ponds, lakes and rivers. Clam is actually a general term that is used to refer to all species of bivalve mollusks like oysters and mussels. Freshwater mussels, freshwater bivalves and marine bivalves fall under the category of clams. Clams are made up of a pair of shells and have no eyes, though they do have other important functioning organs including kidneys, mouth and heart. They have an open circulatory system (body organs are surrounded by fluids that contain oxygen and other nutrients).

Freshwater Clams
Freshwater clams are invertebrates that can be divides into two main families namely - Sphaeriidae (small freshwater clams) and Unionidae (large freshwater clams), which are also known as freshwater mussels. Size of the freshwater clams ranges from 1" to 2" across the shell. There are various species of freshwater clams on sale for freshwater clam aquariums according to the temperature and the pH level of the water. Many fish lovers are hugely fascinated by the concept of freshwater fish in their aquariums. Clams are rated high as a food item for their soft shells and delicious meat.

Freshwater clam aquariums are very popular due to the fact that they are the best kind of live filters that your aquarium can have. Freshwater clams help keeping the aquarium clean and fresh. They do this by getting rid of the uneaten food and other unwanted materials from the water columns. Freshwater clams are hermaphrodites and can reproduce as soon as they become four year old.

Care of Freshwater Clams
Freshwater clams aquarium must be consisting of a quality external filter and at least ¼ inch of gravel as the clams cannot last long without the substratum. Buy a substratum that is not too rocky because such substratum will not help the clams to hide underneath it. Freshwater clams do great within the temperature limit of 65^o to 80^o F, which is why it is convenient to keep them in aquariums sans water heaters. Water levels must be maintained as per the requirements of the other freshwater fish that you have in the fish tank. Normally, a five gallon fish tank is sufficient for the freshwater clams.

Freshwater clams are a peaceful species and will never harm the other aquarium fish or the invertebrates. In normal conditions, other fishes from the fish tank will not try to harm the freshwater clams due to their hard outer shells. It is best not to combine your freshwater clams with the carnivorous pet fishes as they might get hurt and eaten by those big fishes. Never keep any of the invertebrates including the freshwater clams inside the fish tank while you are medicating it with any antibiotic.

One must be wondering exactly what do freshwater clams eat? Well, freshwater clams are filter feeders. Filter feeders are those who survive by straining the suspended food particles from water bodies. Hence, as said earlier, freshwater clams are a great filter that help the water to stay clean. You can feed the freshwater clams with finely crushed shrimp and clam pellets.

There are various types of freshwater clams from which you can choose the best that suits your needs. I'm sure you have decided upon how many freshwater clams you want for your aquarium already!