Scientific Name: Tridacna maxima
Common Name: Maxima clam, Small giant clam

Size: Up to 35 cm
Depth Range: 0.5 – 20 m
Habitat: Shallow reef flats, lagoonal reefs, and coral rubble; often firmly attached to the substrate via byssal threads
Diet: Symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae (photosynthetic algae), supplemented by filter feeding
Reproduction: Hermaphroditic; releases eggs and sperm into the water column for external fertilization
Fun Fact: Its wavy, brightly colored mantle—ranging from electric blue to green or gold—is not only beautiful but houses millions of microalgae that feed the clam through photosynthesis.

Observation Tip: Maxima clams are usually spotted in sunlit shallows. Their vibrant mantles are photogenic, but be cautious not to cast shadows—they close up fast when disturbed!