A mystery about clams and turtles

I put a bunch of those guys (live ones) in my 15 feet wide by 4 feet deep outdoor pond with my dozen turtles. Somehow, the turtles are opening them up and eating them. I'm assuming it's the turtles that are the culprit since the only other creatures in there are gold fish and frogs.How do you suppose the turtles are opening up the clams? I can't open them up without using my tools. And every once in a while when I see them open up, as soon as I touch them they'd clam up really fast. So how in the world are the turtles opening these guys up to eat them?Added by edit.By the way, to connect this evolution versus creation, the theory of evolution says these two evolved in different evolutionary lines and that I spent many hours digging out my pond. The "theory" of creation says god poofed them as well as my pond into existence.Edited by Taz, : No reason given.Edited by Taz, : No reason given.Edited by Adminnemooseus, : Reduce photo size by making it a "thumbnail".

Was it actually this species, Mercenaria mercenaria, or one of the FW clam species? Because if Mercenaria I can tell you what is happening!

Creationist reply :it's a miracle, don't look further!

The clams are dying aren't they? Salt water clams in fresh water... It just clicked in my head. Oh well, at least the turtles are enjoying their sea food.

Yes, that would be it. Adult Mercenaria are pretty tolerant of brackish water, because they are pretty good osmoregulators. But freshwater requires way too much energy to maintain.

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Doctor Bashir: "Of all the stories you told me, which were true and which weren't?"
Elim Garak: "My dear Doctor, they're all true"
Doctor Bashir: "Even the lies?"
Elim Garak: "Especially the lies"

Is there anyway they could "evolve" to survive in my fresh water pond? Or should I turn away from science and pray for a miracle?Oh well, I bought them by the pound from the supermarket. I think I paid like 80 cents a pound for those critters.Added by edit.Speaking of which, I was cleaning out my pond earlier today and noticed the complete absence of frogs. I didn't put in any frog. They just came to on their own. I did, however, put in a dozen turtles a few weeks ago. I figured the turtles have become the top predator of the pond and have destroyed the frog population. Anyway, we watched the pond a little bit and it was quite interesting to see the turtles trying to catch and eat the fish and frogs we threw in. They may be slow on land, but they're quite impressive under water.Added by edit again. Are you saying that it's possible the remaining clams might actually make it in my fresh water pond?Edited by Taz, : No reason given.Edited by Taz, : No reason given.

Prayer is the only hope, I mean it cured childhood diabetes in Wisconsin right? Wait... Sorry, no. Osmoregulation is energy expensive, and the greater the gradient the more energy is needed. The clams are fighting a losing battle for cellular integrity. Freshwater 'wants' to enter the cell and make their salinity equal to the outside. Those gates that keep ions in cost a lot of ATP to function.

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Doctor Bashir: "Of all the stories you told me, which were true and which weren't?"
Elim Garak: "My dear Doctor, they're all true"
Doctor Bashir: "Even the lies?"
Elim Garak: "Especially the lies"

Damn you and your science!Well, out of the 2 dozen I put in, I have half a dozen left still alive. I guess it won't be long before the turtles have another meal of sea food.

Taz,Why should the turtles have all the fun? Put them in the refrigerator, this will slow their metabolism down, and then you can slide a knife in between the shells and sever the muscle that closes the shells.Separate the shells and divide the soft part in two, add a small pad of butter and a 1" piece of bacon and broil until bacon done. Add a piece of cheese to melt while they cool to edible temperature, and then ...Enjoy.Edited by RAZD, : fridge not freezer

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Totally off topic. This is actually something very typical in spanish cuisine - bacon is replaced with Serrano ham, and the cheese, I don't know which you use, is typically Manchego cheese.A different variation of this typical meal is found: hereClaims can also be replced for langostine/scallop/lobster/etc.Extremely delicious, and addictive.- Oni

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"I smoke pot. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your mouth."--Bill Hicks"I never knew there was another option other than to question everything"--Noam Chomsky

Hi Onifre,Sorry, not from Spain, but it is on my list of countries to visit should my luck hold. Particularly for the seafood.I'm lucky to know several very good cooks, from whom I have gleaned some of the simpler recipes for excellent food.I've also adapted this to use on pacific scallops, which are generally so small you want all the scallop on one shell. The refrigerator step is key here, as you will never get a knife in unless the shell is already open, due to the serrations in the shell. photo: they are about 3" across and the shells are delicate compared to clams.Enjoy.

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we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand
Rebel American Zen Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.

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