Detail:  The giant clams of the genus Tridacnidae, bivalves which harbour unicellular plant organisms in their syphonal mantle, number among the "pearls" of the coral reef with their beautiful coloured patterning. These are the largest known bivalves, with shells that can measure a maximum of well over a full metre in length.

In this book Daniel Knop, author of numerous non-fiction books and manufacturer of products for marine aquariums, introduces the reader to all nine known species of Tridacnidae. The authors' contacts with leading scientists and universities in Germany, Australia and Asia, in addition to his ability to draw upon and evaluate his own experience with marine aquariums up to 6000 litres in size have resulted in a comprehensive work on giant clams which contains detailed descriptions of theis behaviour and ecology, anatomy and reprodcutive cycle.

The reader is given an exhaustive introduction to the subject of keeping these molluscs in an aquarium. There is one whole chapter devoted to parasites and diseases affecting giant clams, and another one concentrating on their situation within the ecology of the coral reefs. The breeding of giant clams at special farms all over the world is also described in detail and generously supplied with illustrations. The result is the first reference book on the subject of giant clams presented in a popular scientific format.