The numbers of Tridacna in the wild have been greatly
reduced by extensive harvesting for food and the aquarium trade.
Most destructive is the killing of large 'reproductive' adults
since they are the most profitable.

Giant Clams are considered a delicacy in Japan
(known as Himejako), France, SE Asia and many Pacific Islands.
On the black market, Tridacna shells are sold as decorative
accoutrements, while the adductor muscle can bring larger sums
as many Chinese believe it to have aphrodisiac powers.