Overview
Brief Summary
Comprehensive Description
Distribution
Physical Description
Size
Identification Resources
Symbiosis
Parasitism
Commensalism
Mutualism
Life History & Behaviour
Behaviour
Natural History
Human Exploitation
Threats
Anthropogenic Factors
Research Project
Conservation
Trends & Status
References & More Information
Bibliographies | Size
According to Wells (1983), the Tridacna maxima can grow up to 40cm in shell length. This length should be measured with a calliper from one end to the other one of a closed clam.
The growth rate of these species is estimated to about 2 to 4 cm a year which is one of the lowest rates for the tridacnidae family. However, compared to its size, the growth rates is rather fast, especially because giant clams can live very old (up to 80 years).
The growth rate is also changing from the early development to the adult one. Juvenile are believed to grow fast to catch up with adult and avoid the early mortality which is supposed to be associated with the size. |
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