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Asian Gold Clam (Corbicula fluminea)

Here is the truth most listings skip: freshwater clams slowly starve in the clean, well-filtered tanks most people keep, because they live entirely on suspended micro-particles that good filtration removes. They are 'advanced' not because they are delicate but because keeping them fed requires deliberate work — dosing phytoplankton or powdered filter-feeder food several times a week — and because a clam that dies buried in sand can foul a small tank before you notice. In a mature, slightly green-water tank with regular feeding they are fascinating, low-drama filter animals; sold as 'water polishers' for sparkling tanks, they are consumables.

Care specifications

TypeClam
DifficultyAdvanced
Max size2 in
Lifespan1–4 years
Temperature65–80 °F
pH7–8
General hardness8–18 dGH
Calcium needsHigh
Minimum tank size10 gallons
DietSuspended particles, Phytoplankton, Powdered invertebrate foods
RolesFilter feeder
Plant safeYes
Betta compatibleYes
Breeds in freshwaterYes
Population growthNone
TemperamentPeaceful

Get Asian Gold Clam

Asian Gold Clam

Freshwater Clam (Corbicual sp.) x3

$13.99 Out of stock

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Frequently asked questions

Will a clam clear up my cloudy water?

Yes — that is real; a few clams can visibly polish green or cloudy water. The catch is what happens afterward: once the water is clear there is nothing left to eat, and the clam begins starving. If you want clear water permanently, fix the cause; keep clams only if you are willing to feed them.

How do I know if my clam is alive?

A live clam buried in sand shows two small siphon openings and reacts by closing when touched; a dead one gapes open and does not respond. Check every few days — a dead clam decomposing in the substrate can spike ammonia fast in a small tank. A clam that sits on the surface unburied for days is usually in trouble.

What do I actually feed a freshwater clam?

Suspended micro-foods: live or bottled phytoplankton, powdered fry/filter-feeder foods, or finely crushed flake swirled into the water near the clam two to four times a week. Turning the filter off for 20–30 minutes while feeding keeps the food in the water column where the clam can take it.

Planting the same tank?

Browse the aquarium plant database — verified light, CO2, and height data for every species — or let the plant finder rank them against your exact setup.