The
maxima clam (
Tridacna maxima) is a species of
bivalve found throughout the
Indo-Pacific. It is found on the surface of reefs or sand, or partly embedded in coral (as with this specimen), in the oceans surrounding east Africa, India, China, Australia, Southeast Asia and the islands of the Pacific. This clam is much sought after in the aquarium trade, as its often striking coloration—the result of crystalline pigment—mimics that of the true
giant clam.
Photograph: Alexander Vasenin