"The Giant Clams" is the author’s complete coverage of these remarkable reef-dwelling animals, which has been written and photo-illustrated for anyone interested in them. Inside you’ll find information on: the biology of giant clams, the common and uncommon species, the problems they face, how they are aquacultured, and much more. The book also includes over 500 photographs and illustrations.

Table of Contents:

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1: Tridacnine Anatomy, Physiology, and Reproduction

Tridacnine Shells

Tridacnine Soft Parts

How Tridacnines Work

Tridacnine Reproduction

Chapter 2: Tridacnine Miscellanea

Ecological Roles

Some Other Symbionts

Mantle Coloration

Dealing with UV

Exposure to Air

Jerking and Squirting

Deformities and Funky Mantles

The Biggest Clams

Tridacnine Pearls

Maximum Lifespans

A Bit More About the ZTS

A Few Close Cousins

Name Changes, Cryptic Species, and Trees

A Variety of Zooxanthellae

Attachments and Self-Righting

Making Burrows

Tridacnine Shells and Humans

Chapter 3: The Common Tridacnine Species

Tridacna crocea

Tridacna maxima

Tridacna noae

Tridacna derasa

Tridacna squamosa

Tridacna gigas

Hippopus hippopus

Chapter 4: The Uncommon Tridacnines and Hybrids

Hippopus porcellanus

Tridacna mbalavuana

Tridacna squamosina

Tridacna elongatissima

Tridacna rosewateri

Hybrid Tridacnines

Chapter 5: Tridacnine Troubles

Bleaching

Bacterial Infections

Protozoans and Pinched Mantle

Deteriorating Ligaments

Boring Sponges and Algae

Overgrowing Algae and Corals

Bad Worms

Predatory and Parasitic Snails

Other Predatory Animals

Humans

Chapter 6: Tridacnine Aquaculture

Broodstock and Spawning

Gamete Collection

Fertilization

Larval Rearing

Grow-Out

On From There

References and Image Credits

Index

You can also find James' giant clam photo galleries and videos and more at jameswfatherree.com.