- Range:
Blue = current range
Hollow circles = former range
- Status in Kansas:
Invasive Exotic
- North American Status:
(From NatureServe)
This species was first
introduced into North America in the 1920s, from China. It now occurs in most of the lower
48 states and also Hawaii. Recently it has been found in a number of permanent water
bodies at the central and western regions of Cuba. It can survive in almost any permanent
freshwater environment, including brackish and estuarine waters. In a study of the
relationships of 12 environmental variables to density and biomass of Corbicula fluminea,
higher density and biomass were found to be correlated to where substrate was >40% fine
sand, <45% silt, and <8% organic content.
- Comments:
This exotic clam is relatively small and can be readily identified by the
evenly-spaced concentric ridges. The color of the younger specimens is usually bright
yellow that gradually becomes darker yellow to dark brown and almost black with age.
Internally, there are interlocking lateral teeth on each side of the umbo. Unlike native
mussels, it does not use a fish host. It was introduced to the United States in the 1930s
from the Orient. Most authorities attribute its spread upstream and across watershed
boundaries to boating and fishing activities. Since about 1980, it has become widespread
and common in Kansas. The consequences associated with this exotic introduction are not
yet understood. On a lighter side, if one were to elect to eat mussels, this species would
be a superior choice as it is an exotic, relatively short-lived species and is often
consumed as food worldwide. However, one should keep the water quality source in mind as a
majority of Kansas rivers probably contain contaminants that can accumulate within the
tissues of most mollusk species.
- Fish Hosts:
none used or required
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