Giant Clams: “Solar-Powered” Animals
Marine Wildlife of Singapore (Part 1)
Welcome to the Republic’s underwater world! Here are some creatures you can find:
Giant Clams: “Solar-Powered” Animals
Giant clams are large marine molluscs found in shallow tropical waters. Singapore’s native marine biodiversity includes the fluted giant clam (Tridacna squamosa), which is classified as Critically Endangered. It is one of the world’s largest bivalves.
Despite their appearance, giant clams are living animals, not rocks or plants. They can form a remarkable partnership with microscopic algae living within their mantle tissue. The algae photosynthesise and provide nutrients, while the clam offers them a protected place to live.
Their colourful mantles can display striking patterns of blue, green and brown, making them some of the most visually distinctive animals on tropical reefs.
Giant clams contribute to reef biodiversity and participate in nutrient cycling. Their survival is closely linked to the condition of the surrounding reef environment. Reclamation can bury the seabed where clams live, while sediment deposition can affect their normal functioning. Singapore has previously relocated giant clams alongside coral colonies during coastal development projects.
Only 2 out of 5 species of giant clams found in Singapore remain.
Source: NParks — Fluted Giant Clam: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/fauna/2/0/209