The Corbiculidae were introduced to North America in the early 1900’s from Asia.
Superfamily: Corbiculacea
Family: Corbiculidae
Genus: Corbicula
Species: fluminea
Common name: Asian clam
Introduced Corbiculacea:
· Introduced to North America in the early 1900's.
Negative impacts: Biofouling potential for man-made structures, competition with native molluscs.
Habitat: Burrowed in the sediment (infaunal) of freshwater lakes, streams, rivers, ponds. May also be found in pipes and grates associated with power plants and municipal facilities.
Size: Small, shell length ranges between 1 and 4 cm, with an average length of 2-3 cm.
Life span: Short-lived (1-3 years).
Reproductive cycle:
· Monoecious/consecutive hermaphrodite (White 1985).
· Ovoviviparous (i.e., brooding embryos throughout early development stages on gill), with external fertilization.
· Fully formed juveniles are released from the exhalant siphon, settle out, and burrow into the substrate.
· A single, small byssal thread present in juveniles.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Internal
· Cardinal teeth (internal dorsal shell structures that aid in shell valve articulation) present.
· Lateral teeth (internal dorsal shell structures that aid in shell valve articulation) present.
In many species of bivalves, the two portions of the shell are joined together by large and often distinct teeth that aid in holding the shell pieces together.
External
· Small shell valves, external striations or lines visible.
· Infaunal.
· Umbone located dorsally.