• Dead Asian Clams on Shore
    Dead Asian Clams on Shore

Asian Clam

Corbicula fluminea

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Description

Small freshwater clam that is triangular in shape; color is yellowish to blackish-brown. Shell is incredibly thick and difficult to break compared to native clams.  Learn more about them here.

Habitat

Found in freshwater at the sediment surface or slightly buried; prefers fine clean sand, clay, and coarse sand, although this species may be found on most any underwater surface.

Location in Nebraska

Found in the Platte River to the Wyoming border and in the Missouri River. Also various reservoirs and private lakes throughout the state.

Pathway of Introduction and Spread

Introduced into the U.S. as a food item for humans. Spread by the aquaculture industry and aquarium dumping. Bait buckets, live wells, bilge water, boat hulls/motors/trailers, and other equipment like fishing or diving equipment could potentially be contaminated with clams or free-floating microscopic larvae and transported between waters.

Impacts

Filters suspended matter from the water column, which significantly increases water clarity and leads to excessive plant growth and alters nutrients regimes. May compete with native clams; can infest and interfere with irrigation systems and canals, and block water flow through industrial water intake pipes.

Photo Credits: 

Shawn Liston, Audubon of Florida, Bugwood.org

Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Fabio Moretzsohn, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Bugwood.org

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks