How can nature hide beauty in unexpected places? A giant clam is a perfect example. When plain-looking Tridacnidae, commonly known as the giant clam, open their shells, they reveal a mesmerizing array of peacock blue, pink, emerald green, and other vibrant hues. These amazing creatures are the largest bivalve mollusks in the world.

The giant clam’s shell is characterized by its thick, rough texture, adorned with large ridges and furrows. These clams are primarily found in the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific Ocean, with a notable presence in the South China Sea.

Living in coral reefs, the Tridacnidae are sessile, meaning they attach themselves permanently to a spot and filter-feed on plankton by drawing water through their gills. Remarkably, these clams can live for 80 to 100 years, making them enduring inhabitants of their marine environments. They are included on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.