How Much is a Gigas Giant Clam Worth in Animal Crossing?
The gigas giant clam holds a special place in the underwater world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH). Not only is it a fascinating creature to discover, but it’s also one of the most valuable finds you can make while diving. So, how much exactly is this behemoth of a bivalve worth?
The gigas giant clam sells for 15,000 Bells at Nook’s Cranny. This makes it the most expensive sea creature you can catch in the game. This hefty price tag positions the giant clam as a prime target for players looking to make quick Bells or complete their museum collection. It’s important to note that this price is standard, and unlike fish, you cannot sell sea creatures to C.J. for an increased profit.
Diving for Treasure: Catching a Gigas Giant Clam
The Hunt for the Elusive Clam
Catching a gigas giant clam requires patience and the right technique. Unlike other sea creatures, the gigas giant clam is not a fast swimmer. The key to catching it lies in a slow, methodical approach. The clam’s shadow is large and easily identifiable. Once you spot it, you’ll need to slowly move your character over the shadow and then dive. Avoid rushing, as the clam will quickly outpace you. Think of it as stalking your prey rather than chasing it.
Where and When to Find Giant Clams
Gigas giant clams are benthic creatures, meaning they live on the seabed. You’ll find them exclusively while diving in the ocean surrounding your island. There are no specific times or seasons to find these clams, making them a welcome sight at any time of the year. The key is just to keep diving and look for that distinctive large shadow.
Profitable Underwater Ventures
While the gigas giant clam is the highest-selling sea creature, other sea creatures can also be quite profitable. The sale prices range from 500 Bells (like the sea anemone, sea cucumber, and sea star) up to 15,000 Bells. Exploring the ocean and catching various sea creatures is a great way to earn Bells and contribute to your museum collection.
Gigas Giant Clams: Beyond the Game
Real-World Rarity
The gigas giant clam, or Tridacna gigas in the real world, is indeed a rare sight among coral reefs. Years of overharvesting have led to a decline in their population. Fortunately, giant clam aquaculture is being used to help them recover. These clams are protected under the Endangered Species Act, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts.
The Appeal of Giant Clams
In real-world markets, giant clam shells are sometimes sold as decorative items. They are also prized for their adductor muscle, which is believed in some cultures to have aphrodisiac properties. This demand further contributes to the challenges faced by these magnificent creatures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are gigas giant clams rare in Animal Crossing?
While they are the most valuable sea creatures, they are not exceptionally rare. They appear frequently enough if you dive consistently, making them a reliable source of income. However, the process of catching them successfully is less common since it is unlike other sea creature catching.
2. What is the most valuable fish in Animal Crossing?
Several fish share the top spot for the most valuable at 15,000 Bells each. These include the Stringfish, Dorado, Barreleye, Coelacanth, Golden Trout, and the Great White Shark. Interestingly, the Coelacanth is one of the rarest fish and shares the same selling price as the gigas giant clam.
3. Is the gigas giant clam the rarest sea creature?
No, while it is the most valuable, it is not the rarest. The game does not specifically denote one sea creature as being “rarer” than others. It is often up to player experience, but none are particularly rare enough to warrant labeling one as such.
4. Can you donate the gigas giant clam to the museum?
Yes! Like all other creatures in the game, the gigas giant clam can be donated to Blathers at the museum. Doing so will complete the sea creature portion of your museum and help you achieve a completed collection.
5. Does C.J. buy sea creatures in Animal Crossing?
No, C.J., the fishing aficionado, only buys fish. He does not deal with sea creatures, so you’ll need to sell those at Nook’s Cranny for the standard 15,000 Bells.
6. How do giant clams move in real life?
Despite appearing stationary, young giant clams can “walk” by extending their foot from an opening under their shells and using it to move slowly along a surface.
7. What are the most expensive clams in the real world?
The most expensive clams in the real world are geoducks. These large burrowing clams are found in few parts of the world, making them a highly sought-after delicacy.
8. What is the rarest bug in Animal Crossing?
The Giraffe Stag is generally considered the rarest bug in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
9. Can you find gigas giant clams in other Animal Crossing games?
No, the gigas giant clam is exclusive to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It was introduced with the summer update that included diving.
10. What is the least expensive fish in Animal Crossing?
The tadpole is the least expensive fish, selling for only 100 Bells.
11. Is there a way to increase the chances of finding a gigas giant clam?
Unfortunately, there are no specific methods to increase the chances of finding one. However, the more time you spend diving, the more likely you are to encounter one. Using the slow method of approach ensures you’ll successfully nab them when you do encounter one.
12. How big is the largest giant clam in the real world?
The largest known giant clam was over four and a half feet (1.3 m) wide and weighed approximately 550 pounds (250 kg).
13. Is it illegal to harvest giant clams in real life?
Yes, giant clams are protected by national legislation in most places where they live. International trade of all 12 species is limited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
14. What is the real-world value of a giant clam pearl?
The real-world value of a giant clam pearl can vary widely. The Giga Pearl, one of the largest known pearls, has been reported to be worth between $60–$200 million USD.
15. How does the gigas giant clam’s selling price compare to other valuable items?
While the 15,000 Bells is a lot for a sea creature, some very rare items sell for more. For instance, the Royal Crown, is the rarest and most expensive item, but it doesn’t sell for a set price at Nook’s Cranny. The Coelacanth sells for the same as the gigas giant clam.