Giant Clam

ocean · molluscs · record-breaker · shells

Massive shell giant. Giant clams are the largest living bivalve molluscs in the world, meaning they're the biggest clams with two-part shells that have ever existed. Some giant clams can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh over 400 pounds.

Deep ocean home. These enormous clams live on coral reefs and sea floors in warm tropical oceans, mainly around the Indo-Pacific region. They attach themselves to the reef and stay in one spot their whole lives.

Colorful and vibrant. Giant clams have stunningly beautiful shells with bright colors and patterns, ranging from blues and greens to purples and yellows. The colors help protect them from too much sunlight in the shallow tropical waters where they live.

Filter feeding feast. Giant clams eat by filtering tiny food particles and plankton from the water that flows through their shells. They can process hundreds of gallons of water each day to find enough food to survive.

Protected species now. Giant clams were once hunted so much that they became endangered, but today many countries protect them by law. Scientists and ocean lovers work hard to keep these incredible giants safe for future generations.