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The mantle of the Crocea Clam, 3IN also called the Boring Clam or Crocus Clam, is a mixture of colors. Super colored clams are a vibrant metallic blue, green, or blue/green coloratin with unusual patterns on the mantle. The Crocea Clam penetrates through limestone substrates by releasing an acid to break down the carbonate in the stone. It uses the ridges of its thick shell to dig into the rock by opening and closing quickly through the use of its bysal muscles. It is the smallest of the "giant" clams, so this burrowing behavior helps to protect it from predators such as starfish and butterflyfish. Being the smallest of the giant clams, this species reaches a maximum size of about 6 inches. In the wild, the Crocea Clams often live together in great congregations. In the home aquarium, the Crocea Clam needs bright lighting to live, grow, and keep its intense colors. It requires calcium levels of at least 280 mg/L, preferably 400-480 mg/L to grow. Proper levels of strontium and iodine are also needed.
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