Geoduck Clam

Facts about Geoduck Clams, "Scientific name for Geoduck Clam Panopea generosa". Geoduck Clams are extremely large, safe to eat, saltwater clams that belong to the genus Panopea of the Hiatellidae family. The scientific name of the Geoduck clam variety is Panopea generosa, and they are native to the west coastline of North America. These clams are both one among the biggest clams in the world, and one among the longest-lived clams of any category. Usually, these clams are largely found at a depth, ranging from 10 feet to 80 feet (3 m to 24.2 m) below the average low tide mark, but some clams can be seen at a depth of 360 feet (109 m).

Features about Geoduck Clam

Adult Geoduck Clams have their shell length, ranging from 5.9 inches to 7.9 inches (15 cm to 20 cm), and they have extremely elongated siphons that make these clams appear much longer. The length of the siphons or neck itself comes with 3.3 feet (1 meter). These sea bivalve mollusks are the biggest burrowing clams in the world, with an average body mass of 1.5 pounds (0.68 kg) when fully grown.

Geoduck clams are capable of growing about an inch for each year in shell length in the initial four years of life. The enlargement rate will be slowly abridged after this time. The mean size of 2.2 pounds (I kg) will be reached within five to six years.

Geoduck Clams are one among the longest-living life forms in the animal kingdom. The eldest marine clam of this was observed to live for 168 years, but these clams that live more than 100 years are rare. The longevity of this clam variety is the consequence of less wear and tear. The valves, or both parts of the shell of Geoduck Clams, are open at all times in the adult clams, as their siphons and body are too big to be retracted.

Adult Geoduck Clams have a small number of natural predators, which may contribute to their long life, as well. Dogfish and sea otters have established capable of dislodging these clams in Alaska, and starfish assault and eat the exposed siphons of these clams, as well.

Diet of Geoduck Clam

Geoduck Clams mainly feed on phytoplankton, flagellates and diatoms.

Behavior of Geoduck Clam

Geoduck Clams bury themselves up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) deep in silt, sand, gravel and other malleable substrates. A growing Geoduck clam will burrow into residue at an approximate rate of 1 foot (30 cm) for each year. After excavating about 3 feet (90 cm) deep, the mature clam will settle in for a minimum period of 100 years. In burrowed adult clams, the siphon may extend 39 inches (97.5 cm) to the sea bed.

Geoduck Clams suck water with plankton down in the course of their elongated siphon, sort out this for food and throw out their refuse out in the course of a separate gap in the siphon. Geoduck Clams are transmitting spawners. A female Geoduck clam is capable of producing about five billion eggs in her 100-year lifespan in contrast with a human woman who can produce about 500 feasible ova during the line of her life. However, because of a low rate of enrollment and a high rate of death for the eggs of these clams, larvae and post-established young ones, populations are leisurely to bounce back.

Adults Geoduck Clams may survive for a maximum period of more than 140 years.