Giant Clam (Hippopus spp.)
Hippopus spp.
Protection Status
Quick Facts
About the Species
Giant clams are the largest living marine bivalves and typically inhabit tropical coral reefs in coastal regions throughout the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Giant clams are members of the Subfamily Tridacninae, which consists of two genera: Hippopus and Tridacna.
Currently, seven giant clam species are candidate species for listing under the Endangered Species Act. This includes two species in the genus Hippopus (H. hippopus and H. porcellanus) and five species in the genus Tridacna (T. derasa, T. gigas, T. mbalavuana (tevoroa), T. squamosa, and T. squamosina (costata).
Scientific Classification
Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Mollusca | Class | Bivalvia | Order | Cardiida | Family | Cardiidae | Genus | Hippopus | Species |
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Management Overview
Currently, seven giant clam species are candidate species for listing under the Endangered Species Act. This includes two species in the genus Hippopus (H. hippopus and H. porcellanus) and five species in the genus Tridacna (T. derasa, T. gigas, T. mbalavuana (tevoroa), T. squamosa, and T. squamosina (costata).
Regulatory History
In 2016, we were petitioned to list 10 species of giant clams as endangered or threatened under the ESA.
We reviewed the petition and determined that a status review should be conducted for Hippopus hippopus and H. porcellanus. A status review is currently underway.