After we snorkeled the clam/coral reserve in Aitutaki’s south lagoon. We were enchanted and wanted to dive here with the cameras. This “site” is only 15 feet deep, but the photos will speak for themselves as to why we wanted to go back with effectively unlimited air. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
We believe this is the Australian species of Giant Clam. Much larger than the common coral clam found in the Pacific, but not as large as Tridacna Gigantus found in the far Western Pacific Islands near the equator. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
These pens are designed to keep most predators away while the coral get a chance to get started. The worlds largest living structures (Great Barrier Reef, Australia), the soft coral polyps secrete a hard calcified shell like structure for protection. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
In trays, to keep them away from most predators, these “baby clams” are nurtured and then planted in the lagoon. We were told up to 97% of them are sold to the aquarium trade to continue the funding of the reserve. This site was part of our day tour we “Teking”. To us, it was one of the highlights of the day. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
For the reserve, this is primarily a demonstration site as to the pearl oyster display. These are the same as pearl oyster farms are found thoroughout the lagoons of French Polynesia. A navigation hazard to us, a livelihood in good times to others. In the current economy, the pearl oyster business has collapsed. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
This was a previously grown coral in the protective trays, now on display and part of the lagoon’s eco system Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
This a close up of the coral structure which the soft polyps excrete as their protective homes. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
Even closer, hard coral life. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
The soft mantle of these giant clams have more and more to see, the closer you can look. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
This is how we would normally find the giant clams in an uncontrolled environment; embedded safely in a coral patch. When anchored in this fashion it is far more difficult for predators to dislodge them from their life time home. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
These images look like some abstract design created in a studio or a computer. Nature is art! Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
This close up looks like nature’s synthetic with applique. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
This is around a thirty year old giant clam which died for unknown reasons. All that’s left is the shell. This shell is nearly three feet long. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
Fortunately, it is generally known by the peoples of the Pacific that these clams are not a tasty food source. That privilege falls to their much smaller cousins. We just love these giants and their amazing colors and textures. These shells are close to three feet long and about 30 years old. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
All clams have an in and out for food and waste. This is the “outtie end”. Didn’t know a hind side could be so beautiful. We don’t see life going on at this scale. But it does. The whitish material you see at the bottom is sand. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
You get a feel for the size of the Tridacna Gigantus next to swimming Cindy Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
A beautiful and younger “gigantus”. We love the colors of the mantle, the “skin” and the siphons. Keep watching! Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
It almost looks like a psychedelic gallaxy. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
Siphons in space…..the final frontier? Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
Water colors…. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
Water colors…. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
Living amongst the clams and corals were several pairs of lovely pipe fish. Related to the Sea Horse, these fish are about 3/8″ wide and less than 5 inches long. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
Very gentle and shy. Hard to get really close. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
A little further out, you can get a bit more perspective of your own. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
Like something out of a Southwestern design. The colors were to us simply breathtaking. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
A universe within…. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
Imagination…. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
The “eye’s” in detail.. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
We can actually see inside this clams mouth and it’s insides. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
Colors of perception Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
I leave you with these last three images to stir your imaginations. But remember….These are just giant clams, a universe within an without. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
This might even make a nice logo. Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
You’ll never quite look at a clam the same, will you? Aitutaki Atoll – Cook Islands
