Shark fin mussel, Hyriopsis bialatus

The shark fin mussel from Southeast Asia, scientifically called Hyriopsis bialata, is a very impressive mussel, which in nature can grow up to 15 cm. In the aquarium, the animals usually remain somewhat smaller. Their color is a medium golden brown to dark chocolate brown. The oldest part of the shell is much lighter, as in most mussels. It gets its name from a distinctly prominent shell process, which is reminiscent of a giant shark fin in shape. Hyriopsis bialata belongs to the pearl oysters, so it can coat penetrated sand grains with nacre and make them harmless for itself. In Thailand it is kept in aquacultures for pearl production. In the aquarium it can probably not be reared.

You can keep the shark fin mussel already from 54 l. In the aquarium it needs sand or fine gravel as substrate, in which it likes to burrow almost completely. You should consider the shell height in the substrate height and allow it to burrow. The "prong" points towards the bottom when burrowing.

As far as water values are concerned, the shark fin mussel is quite adaptable. In its habitats, temperatures range from 18 to 28 °C and a pH of 6.5 to   8.5. It prefers medium-hard water.

The shark fin mussel filters planktonic food from the water. A filter is therefore counterproductive, in filtered tanks it does not find enough food and therefore starves sooner or later. However, as a biofilter for a filterless tank, this mussel is just about ideal. It also likes detritus and mulm, so you should not vacuum the substrate too often. Hyriopsis bialatus should also be fed once or twice daily with a special microfine ground mussel food . A pipette has proven to be optimal for this purpose. The filter (if present) should be taken out of operation during feeding in any case.

Hyriopsis bialatus is an ideal co-stock in aquariums with filter feeders such as fan shrimp or snails from the genera Brotia and Taia. The shark fin mussel searches for the ideal water movement for itself, so it is important to have low-current zones on the bottom as well as areas with high currents.

It is not known whether the larvae of Hyriopsis bialatus attach parasitically to fish gills. However, since they belong to the Unionidae family, which actually almost all follow this reproductive strategy, the suspicion is obvious. Therefore, it may not be the first choice for the fish aquarium.
Mussels are very readily eaten by large crustaceans and also by crabs. Shrimp from the genus Neocaridina can be well socialized with the shark fin clam, provided they are not too numerous and do not stress the clam.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.