Waterborne: Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea)

Origin and Date of Introduction: China; first discovered in 1938.

Pathway / Media: Waterways: gravel shipments, dumped bait and aquarium water.

Reason for Introduction: Deliberate, for food by Chinese immigrants in Knappton, Washington; accidental introduction by aquaculture.

Preferred Habitat: Freshwater aquatic ecosystems.

Ecological / Economic Damage: Alters benthic substrate, competes with native species for resources, and causes biofouling of industrial water plants and power plants. Asian clams clog irrigation and drainage canals as well as industrial water distribution systems.



Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Futher Reading: USDA National Invasive Species Information Center