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Giant Clam
Also known as killer clam and man-eating clam (Tridacna gigas), it is the largest bivalve mollusk in the world, reaching a length of over 4 feet (1.2 m) and weighing more than 500 pounds (227 kg).
A native of the Pacific and Indian Oceans and generally found in coral reefs or on sand in shallow lagoons, the giant clam is relished as a delicacy, capable of feeding many people. Its large shells are also very popular for use as washbasins, birdbaths and
baptismal fonts, as well as for use in interior decorating.
Formerly the clam was widely assumed to be a ferocious, dangerous animal, and marine biology authors
— C. M. Yonge, 'A Year on the Great Barrier Reef' (1931); Dr. Bruce W. Halstead,
'Dangerous Marine Animals' (Cornell Maritime); 'U.S. Navy Diving Manual'
— claimed that men had been killed by it, and even detailed instructions on how a person could release himself by severing the great adductor muscles with which the animal closes its shells.
The general consensus today is that the clam is not at all aggressive, with no
authenticated deaths attributed to it. It is agreed that it is possible to get a arm or leg caught in the creature's shell, but very unlikely, because the clam's does not snap its shells shut quickly, but rather very
slowly.
Further
info:
Giant Clam.
Giant Clam
(encyclopedia.com).
Tridacna gigas.
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