Is Tridacna maxima (Bivalvia: Tridacnidae) at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia?

A recent genetic study challenges the identification of giant clams at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Analysis revealed that all examined specimens belong to Tridacna noae, not Tridacna maxima as previously thought, suggesting the latter may be absent or extremely rare in the region. The research combined molecular and morphological assessments across four intertidal populations, demonstrating that local morphological variability complicates species distinction without genetic verification. This finding underscores the necessity of DNA-based corroboration for accurate identification in this ecologically significant area.

Johnson, M. S., Prince, J., Brearley, A., Rosser, N. L., & Black, R. (2016). Is Tridacna maxima (Bivalvia: Tridacnidae) at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia? Molluscan Research, 36(4), 264–270. https://doi.org/10.1080/13235818.2016.1181141