Scuba Season

Electric clam

Ctenoides ales

Sighting evidence at Mandarin Garden

Electric clams do not produce electricity — the pulsing blue light is an optical illusion created by light reflecting off two layers of tissue beneath the mantle edge, one white and reflective, one dark and absorptive, that alternate exposure at around 2 Hz. The true function of this display is unknown; hypotheses include predator deterrence, prey attraction, and communication. They live in rubble crevices and are nocturnal displayers but easily visible by torch at shallow depths.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Electric clam is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.