Help with Freshwater Clam

[StanleyLambchop]

I am not sure if my clam is still alive or not. He seemed fine until yesterday, when a tiny baby water snail tried to climb inside the slight opening between the two shells. I saw him snap his shell shut, and the snail seemed to move away. Today I noticed that he is open more than usual, and a baby snail has managed to get just inside his shell. Does this mean he is dead and the snail is scavenging? Any advice welcomed.

If they're anything like other water molluscs, they will rot down really quickly when they die. Can you lift him out and have a smell? That'll tell you.

Thanks Eau, I have lifted him out and tipped him gently, the offending snail came out. He does not smell, but he does not snap shut either. I wonder if he is injured, but not dead. I have put him in an observation tank for now, mainly because I did not want to cause a problem with the water quality in the tank if he is dead & rotting. He is still white inside, not brown or grey & sludgy, as I imagine a dead clam to be.