Tridacna Gigas, Rare Giant Clam Shell, 12" x 9" x 4"

Tridacna Gigas, Rare Giant Clam Shell, 12" x 9" x 4"This is a one and only item purchased from a private Collectors Estate Sale. These vintage shells are becoming extreamly rare to find, as they are now classified as vulnerable to extinction. We only purchase from Estate Sales when they were collected when classified as non threatened, this particular shell was collected in the early 20th century. DIMENSIONS: 12" l x 9" w x 4" h, weight 3lb, measurements are close but approximated MATERIALS: Natural Shell, Half FACTS & HISTORY: Giant clams are facing important threats from coral reef degradation and destruction, harvesting by coastal and island communities, and the sale and export of wild and dead specimens for the illegal aquarium trade and ornamental shell trade. Further, giant clams are one of Buddhism’s “seven treasures” along with gold. China’s new rich with no conscience and awareness prize their big shells as showy ornaments. Each can cost as much as $3,000. Giant clams were poached in the 1970s because their meat was believed to be an aphrodisiac in China. Then they were popular in the 1980s for aquariums. Now they are in demand for carvings and beads. Giant clams are highly vulnerable in the wild to stock depletion because of their late sexual maturity and immobile adult phase. Where densities of mature clams decrease, breeding is disrupted and populations become reproductively dysfunctional. This can result in reduced significant recruitment and eventual population collapse. Source Wikipedia To contribute to conservation efforts visit https://www.endangeredspeciesinternational.org/donations.html