Title: "Siphon"

Closeup of siphon opening of a giant clam,Tridacna maxima

Solomon Islands, September, 2003

TOTAL EDITION: 500

SIZE: 11.5" X 16.5" (29 cm X 42 cm)

Much of the clam's nutrition comes from symbiotic algae living in its skin. The giant clam pumps water through two openings in their bodies, getting nutrients and oxygen from the passing water, and creating a current which keeps the colorful skin clean. This closeup is of the tentacled incurrent siphon. Water enters the body thru this opening.