Breeding / Livebearers
Fingernail clam
Livebearers · Easy

Breeding the fingernail clam

Live-bearing hermaphrodite.

Step by step

Pairing

Any.

Breeding tank

Any sandy tank.

What starts it

Warm water and food.

Eggs and young

Few young.

Raising the fry

Tiny clams.

Common mistakes
  • Not feeding enough

Male or female

  • Male: Not visibly different
  • Female: Not visibly different
  • Hermaphroditic

Can I breed it in my tank?

  • Good for a first breeding project.

Day-by-day plan

Typical for livebearers

  1. 28 days beforePregnancy

    A dark 'gravid spot' grows behind the belly. Gestation is usually about 4 weeks.

  2. Day 0Birth

    Fry are born ready to swim. Thick plants or a breeding box keep them safe from adults.

  3. Day 0First food

    Feed crushed flake, baby brine shrimp or microworms 3–5 times a day.

  4. Day 28Sexing starts

    Males start to show color and a pointed anal fin. Separate them if you want to control lines.

  5. Day 90Adults

    Most livebearers are grown and can breed at about 3 months.

A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.

Simulator: guided

Stage 1 of 5Pregnancy

A dark 'gravid spot' grows behind the belly. Gestation is usually about 4 weeks.

Simulator: try it yourself

Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.

About 5 young raised15% of fry survived
  • The female gave birth.
  • With no plants or breeding box, the adults ate most of the fry.

An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.