Are clams invasive?

Asked by: Joy Baker

Corbicula fluminea is a species of freshwater clam native to eastern Asia which has become a successful invasive species throughout North America, South America, and Europe. Corbicula fluminea is commonly known in the west as the Asian clam or Asiatic clam.

Where are Asiatic clams found?

Southeast Asia

The Asiatic clam is native to Southeast Asia. It is also indigenous to parts of central and eastern Australia, Africa and the Mediterranean. It was first discovered in the United States in 1938, and it had found its way into most of the Mississippi River Basin by the 1970s.

How do clams reproduce?

Some species are hermaphrodites (which have both female and male reproductive systems). Male clams produce sperm and release it into the water, while females produce eggs that are retained internally. The sperm get drawn into the female bivalve through her siphons, and fertilization occurs.

Are there clams in Lake George?

If you haven’t heard yet, Lake George has this nasty new resident — the Asian clam. It’s an invasive species that was first discovered in the Lake in August of 2010. They are now present in five locations in the Lake: off of Lake Avenue and Shepard Park in the village, Boon Bay, Treasure Cove, and Norowal Marina.

Where can you find Corbicula?

Native Range: The genus Corbicula lives in temperate to tropical southern Asia west to the eastern Mediterranean; Africa, except in the Sahara desert; and southeast Asian islands south into central and eastern Australia (Morton 1986).

Why are clams an invasive species?

If the clams can survive our winter months, they could also spread and reproduce in additional lakes and rivers. Similar to zebra mussels, infestations of golden clams can clog water intake pipes and alter local ecosystems.

Are freshwater clams invasive?

Invasive Mollusks—Zebra Mussels and Corbicula (Asiatic Clams) The two other groups of freshwater clams are nonnative, invasive species that have caused billions of dollars of damage in public waters.

How long does a clam live?

Soft shell clams can live for 10-12 years. Some may have lived for as long as 28 years. A green crab can eat as many as 15 clams a day. A bushel of soft shelled clams weighs about 60 pounds.

Are clams endangered?

The main reason that giant clams are becoming endangered is likely to be intensive exploitation by bivalve fishing vessels. Mainly large adults are killed, since they are the most profitable.

Do clams feel pain?

Yes. Scientists have proved beyond a doubt that fish, lobsters, crabs, and other sea dwellers feel pain. Lobsters’ bodies are covered with chemoreceptors so they are very sensitive to their environments.

What does Corbicula mean?

corbicula (plural corbiculae) (entomology) A bee’s pollen basket; in honeybees and close relatives, the corbiculae are located on the outer (lateral) surface of the hind tibia.

How do you pronounce corbicula?

noun, plural cor·bic·u·lae [kawr-bik-yuh-lee].