Endangered giant clam feeding strategies could determine species' future survival
Phys.org
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Endangered giant clams (Tridacna gigas), iconic inhabitants of tropical coral reefs, face a critical battle for survival due to a combination of severe threats. Over-harvesting for jewelry, aquariums, and food has drastically reduced their populations, while habitat loss, pollution, and climate change further exacerbate these challenges. Now, the species' future may hinge on its unique feeding strategies, which could offer insights into how they adapt to survive in an increasingly hostile environment.
Giant clams are renowned for their symbiotic relationship with algae, a partnership that not only sustains them but also contributes to the health of coral reefs. Their feeding methods involve capturing sunlight to nurture these algae, a process vital to their survival. However, this dependency makes them highly sensitive to environmental changes, such as rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification caused by climate change. These factors can disrupt their symbiosis, leading to bleaching events that weaken the clams and impair their ability to grow and reproduce.
The threats to giant clams are multifaceted. Over-harvesting for commercial purposes has depleted wild populations, while habitat destruction from coastal development and pollution further degrade the ecosystems they rely on. Climate change compounds these issues by causing coral bleaching, which undermines the reefs' health—a foundation for the clams' survival. Additionally, increasing ocean acidity threatens their shell formation, making it harder for them to grow and protect themselves.
Understanding the role of giant clams in marine ecosystems is crucial. Their presence supports biodiversity and maintains reef health, which are vital for countless
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/26/2026