Boulder Clams, General

Andraous (Discontinued)    Wildlife    Invertebrates    Bivalves      Boulder Clams, General

"Watch your step, lest you step on a open boulder clam and be stuck in the river until it decides to let you go." Local to a traveller

The these freshwater clams are some of the largest clams of Andraous, and are represented by several species. While not aggressive in the sense a drake or wolf can be, boulder clams have been known to clamp shut when someone accidentally steps on them, trapping the person's foot. Typically this results in a person having to wait several hours for the clam to open it's mouth, however there have been some deaths due to drowning during periods of flooding, or being unable to escape when a predator discovers the trapped individual.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Boulder clams get their name due to their appearance of a large stone, with their outer shell often being shades of grey and covered in algae.

Biological Traits

Movement Immobile.

Genetics and Reproduction

Boulder clams are hemaphrodites, and will release both eggs and sperm during the spawning season. Once fertilized the egg will sink to the lake or river bottom, where it will stay until the egg hatches.
The incrediblely tiny clams are capable of 'swimming' and will either attach themselves to the gills of fish species or settle near where they hatched. Some species require a specific species of fish for the small clams to attach to, such as those native to the Great Dura River, which hitches a ride on the gills of the Dura Salmon as they swim up river to spawn.

Ecology and Habitats

The majority of species are native to freshwater rivers and lakes, though there are a few species that can be found in brackish waters.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Boulder clam meat is considered a delicacy in some regions, while in others it is considered filthy.
The inner shell of boulder clams is considered beautiful, leading them to be used as washing basins for nobility.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

They can be found in nearly every major river and lake of the world, including the Great Dura River, which runs from the Dura Mountains and through the Firadas Prairie.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Various shades of grey.