Clams in quarantine
Southern Giant Clams in quarantine at Blue Reef Aquarium.
A COLLECTION of giant clams seized by customs officials has been given a new home at Tynemouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium.
The southern giant clams, which can grow up to 60cms in length, were part of a large consignment intercepted and confiscated after they were illegally imported into the country.
They were initially transferred to ZSL London Zoo, but are now spending time in the Tynemouth aquarium’s quarantine before going on display in the tropical oceans area.
Blue Reef’s Anna Pellegrino said: “This particular species is one of the largest types of giant clam in the world. They are known as the smooth giant clam as their shell lacks the deep ridges of other species.
“However, it is only once they have fully opened that you see the extraordinary colour and markings of the actual animal itself.”
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Weather for Whitley Bay
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 26 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Light showers
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