This book introduces readers to the giant clam's biology, taxonomy and systematics, ecological and cultural significance, threats and challenges, and conservation solutions. The highlight of this book is the species identification guide containing descriptions of 12 known giant clam species accompanied by accurate hand-drawn shell illustrations and live photographs of specimens for comparison. Detailed information is summarised in a visual key on the distinctive features of the individual species, with notes on their ecology, geographic distribution, taxonomy and morphology. This book also includes other useful natural history information to spur the reader's interest in these magnificent animals.With the most comprehensive information presented concisely, this book allows readers to identify a particular giant clam readily and confidently, as well as the other species that it may easily be confused with, confirm that the species occurs in a specific area, and access general information on the biology and ecology of the species. It is a valuable resource for researchers, students, the SCUBA diving community, managers of marine resources, and the public.

"This book introduces readers to the giant clam's biology, taxonomy and systematics, ecological and cultural significance, threats and challenges, and conservation solutions. The highlight of this book is the species identification guide containing descriptions of 12 known giant clam species accompanied by accurate hand-drawn shell illustrations and live photographs of specimens for comparison. Detailed information is summarised in a visual key on the distinctive features of the individual species, with notes on their ecology, geographic distribution, taxonomy and morphology. This book also includes other useful natural history information to spur the reader's interest in these magnificent animals. With the most comprehensive information presented concisely, this book allows readers to identify a particular giant clam readily and confidently, as well as the other species that it may easily be confused with, confirm that the species occurs in a specific area, and access general information on the biology and ecology of the species. It is a valuable resource for researchers, students, the SCUBA diving community, managers of marine resources, and the public." --

A comprehensive guide to the identification and care of Tridacnid Clams.

An excellent introduction to over 1800 marine plants, invertebrates, fishes, reptiles, birds and mammals of the Central and Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. A brief description of the members and their life history introduces each group of animals. The caption for each photograph has the common name, if there is one, scientific name and the maximum size. Highly recommended.

Giant Clams, as they are popularly known, are among the most specialized and the largest living bivalves. One of the species of Giant Clam, Tridacna gigas is known to grow over a meter in length. They have a narrow range of distribution and occur exclusively within tropical reefs under the Indo-Pacific faunal region. Giant Clam populations worldover have plummeted with many species facing threat of extinction due to unregulated harvesting for food, souvenirs and habitat destruction. Since last few decades, however, many efforts are being made worldwide to reintroduce them through mariculture. Despite these efforts, Giant Clam populations continue to decline globally. In India, Giant Clams occur only in Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar reefs. Three species of Giant Clam are protected in India under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, receiving the highest degree of legal protection any species can enjoy. The present study is the first in the Indian Sub-continent to understand the population ecology, status and conservation needs of Tridacna maxima and formed basis for developing Giant Clam species recovery plan for the Government of India.