Is this a mussel?

[Mighty]

When I first set up my tank, a little over a month ago, I noticed what looks like a mussel shell in my live sand (pic on left). Tonight I noticed what looks like a new critter (right), similar to what I found in the sand. Do you know what this is?

 

[austinsdad]

Looks like it's what I thought was a bi-valve. Now, that term I'm guessing again, could be any clam, oyster, or mussel that closes it's shell. I've got LR in the past with a bunch of'm. When you touch it, it'll close. Looks like one died (the open one of course), and you got another that fell off a rock and may be on its way out too. No big deal though IMO.

 

[Fluff]

I agree with Ray, they are some type of bi-valve. Possibly turkeywing clams which are pretty typical. They are filter feeders and nothing to worry about.

 

[Ziggy953]

I have several of them in my refugium and a few in my frag tank. They are pretty interesting little guys. If your tank is newly set up they probably wont make it but you never know.

 

[roka64]

Looks like a turkey wing clam, possibly.

 

[Mighty]

Interesting. So far, it looks fine, but we'll see. Thanks for the responses.

 

[roka64]

I may be speaking out of my turn, But I can say I have not seen one on the sand bed like that. Does it still open and close?

 

[Ziggy953]

I had one get knocked off the rockwork and onto the sand bed. It made it's way back to the rocks and got a good hold in nook. I wish I had gotten some pics of it while it was moving. They aren't the most graceful critters.

 

[roka64]

LOL! That would have been cool to see.