What is the diet of a giant clam?

The giant clam is a marine bivalve mollusk that is found in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Giant clams are suspension feeders, meaning that they filter small particles of food from the water. Their diet consists primarily of phytoplankton, which are microscopic plants that drift in the water column. Giant clams also consume zooplankton, which are small animals that drift in the water column, as well as organic particles such as bacteria and detritus.

Giant clams have a unique feeding mechanism that allows them to filter food from the water. They have two large mantle flaps that are lined with cilia. The cilia beat in a wave-like motion, creating a current of water that flows through the mantle cavity. The water passes over the gills, which are covered in mucus. The mucus traps the food particles, which are then transported to the mouth.

Giant clams can grow to be very large, with some species reaching a length of over 4 feet (1.2 meters). They are the largest living bivalves in the world. Giant clams are important members of the marine ecosystem, as they help to filter the water and provide food for other animals.