What is the scientific name of the Great Barrier Reef’s giant clam species?

The scientific name of the giant clam found on the Great Barrier Reef is Tridacna gigas.

Tridacna gigas is the largest living species of bivalve mollusc. It lives in shallow tropical Indo-Pacific waters, including parts of the Great Barrier Reef, where its large shell and brightly colored mantle make it an important reef animal.

Like reef-building corals, giant clams host microscopic symbiotic algae in their tissues. The algae use sunlight to produce energy, while the clam provides a protected environment and access to nutrients. The clam also filter-feeds on plankton and seawater.

Several other giant-clam species occur around Australia, so the terms “giant clam” and “largest clam” can be confused. Tridacna gigas is the species associated with the record size, not every large clam seen on the reef.