“Each species on our planet plays a role in the healthy functioning of natural ecosystems, on which humans depend.” ~ William H. Schlesinger, Biogeochemist Tridacna is a genus of large saltwater clams, marine bivalve mollusks in the subfamily Tridacninae, the giant clams. Unfortunately, the global conservation status is listed as Vulnerable in the 2004 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.  All species of giant clams are listed in CITES (Convention on Inernational Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna).  In the Philippines, it is locally known as “taklobo”.