Survey Of The Giant Clams Species (Tridacninae) In The Coral Reef Of Baer Island, Southeast Moluccas

Survey of the giant clams species was conducted at the coral reef ecosystem of Baer Island, Southeast Maluku (50 29’ 52.94” S, 1320 44’ 12.73” E), aimed to obtain the present existence of the giant clams species. There are five species of giant clams, i.e. Tridacna squamosa, T. maxima, T. gigas, T. crocea, and Hippopus hippopus. The morphological feature easily seen, differentiating the genus Tridacna to the Hippopus, is fully extended mantle beyond shell margin on Tridacna, while not on Hippopus. A simple identification key is provided to facilitate others identifying the giant clams on a field survey.Keyword : giant clams, coral reef, Baer Island, Tridacna, Hippopus Neritic Terbitan Berkala Ilmiah (ilmu kelautan dan perikanan), Tahun 2010, Volume 2 nomor 2 , 57 Hal