Species
Corbula amurensis
Threats Status
Unwanted Organism
Common Name(s)
Asian clam
Habitat
Asian clam is a highly tolerant species and occurs on brackish waters and estuaries (clay, mud, sand or peat substrate). They are subtidal and buried in large clumps in the sediment exposing 1/3-2/3 of their shell. They feed on phyto- and zooplankton.
Description
Asian clam have two valves with unequal size and shape and are grey-white to tan on colour.
Similar Species
Similar to New Zealand native species, such as Basket shell (Corbula zelandica), Surf clam (Maorimactra ordinaria), Surf clam (Mactra tristis)
Threat To Plants
COnsumption of phyto- and zooplankton may alter parine community dynamics and ecosystem processes.
Measurements
Length: 2-3cm
Reason For Introduction
Accidentally in ship ballast water