Giant Clam On Ocean Floor
by Chuck Ripper
Title
Giant Clam On Ocean Floor
Artist
Chuck Ripper
Medium
Painting - Gouche Watercolor On Masonite
Description
Early in the 1930s a massive pearl weighing over 15 pounds was extracted from aGiant Clam, which is not surprising considering this huge mollusk can grow to weigh 500 pounds and reach five feet in length. Unable to move because of its size, this giant bivalve spends its life in shallow water embedded among corals, where it feeds on colonies of marine algae. Folklore often describes the Giant Clam as a sinister animal, capable of trapping a man within its shell and drowning him. Although the Giant Clam is very well camouflaged, and when disturbed instinctively closes its shell using its incredibly strong adductor muscle, the shell nevertheless closes at a very slow rate. No documented case exists of anyone being trapped and killed by a Giant Clam. In the past, the Giant Clams' extremely large shells were used as wash or baptismal basins, and are still found at the doors of some Catholic Churches filled with holy water. The shells have an incredible density, and natives of the Caroline Islands fashion axe heads from their thickest portions. Four main ribs set with several short scales distinguish the Giant Clam at any stage of its growth. The shells grow obliquely forward, making them asymmetric. Aside from the shell, the rest of the clam weighs a mere 25 pounds and is considered a delicacy. This endangered animal has suffered greatly from the effects of pollution and may one day soon pass from the face of the Earth.
Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.
Artwork Copyright © 1992 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB14182
Uploaded
September 21st, 2022
Statistics
Viewed 2,194 Times - Last Visitor from Seattle, WA on 04/18/2024 at 8:50 PM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet
Comments
There are no comments for Giant Clam On Ocean Floor. Click here to post the first comment.