Asian Gold Clam
Corbicula fluminea
Synonyms Asian clam · Golden clam · Freshwater clam
Asian Gold Clam (Corbicula fluminea) is a peaceful freshwater invertebrate that reaches about 5 cm (2 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 72–81°F (22–27°C) and pH 6.5–7.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 40 L (11 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Invertebrate |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Minimum tank | 40 L (11 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 72–81°F (22–27°C) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Eats shrimp | No |
Before it goes in
- Asian Gold Clam needs at least 40 L (11 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 15 Gallon.
- It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
- It holds at 72–81°F (22–27°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
- It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
- Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
What tank size does it need?
At least 40 L (11 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 15 Gallon.
Will it eat shrimp?
No — adult shrimp and their young are both safe with it.
What water does it want?
72–81°F (22–27°C), pH 6.5–7.5.
Can it go in a new tank?
No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Asian Gold Clam | Red Claw Crab | Dwarf Mexican Crayfish | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 5 cm | 4.5 cm | 4 cm |
| Min tank | 40 L | 38 L | 50 L |
| Group | 1+ | 1+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 72–81°F (22–27°C) | 72–81°F (22–27°C) | 64–75°F (18–24°C) |
| Eats shrimp | No | Yes | Shrimplets only |
More livestock
Sources (5) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eats, Mature tankaquariumbreeder.com
- Mature tankaquariadise.com
- What it eatsaquaticcommunity.com
- en.wikipedia.org
- nas.er.usgs.gov