niall_b73 41 Posted February 24, 2011 Report Share Posted February 24, 2011 (Corbicula fluminea) Asian clam The Asian clam has recently been discovered in Lough Derg. Like the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), Asian Clam has the ability to become highly invasive in a short period of time and at high densities it can alter the food web and compete with native mussel species. Asian clam are known to aggressively out compete native invertebrate communities, limit phytoplankton biomass, biofoul water intakes, alter benthic habitats, add biologically available nitrogen and phosphorus to systems, and impact aesthetic and recreational values of public beaches, lake front properties and swimming areas. Their high rates of filtration, metabolism, reproduction, tolerance to wide ranges of habitats, and juvenile dispersal allows Asian clam to aggressively expand ranges and to rapidly re‐invade areas; limiting management, reducing restoration efforts and impacting native benthic communities. Asian clam are capable of both filter feeding (feeding from the water) and pedal feeding (feeding directly from the sediment). One reason for why Asian clam is successful in so many different environments is that it can effectively filter phytoplankton and bacteria out of the water column and feed from the sediments when food from the water column becomes scarce. What you can you Anyone who finds these clams is requested to contact: Dr Joe Caffrey Tel:+353 (0)1 8842600 Email: joe.caffrey@fisheriesireland.ie If possible photograph or retain any specimens you discover, carefully noting where and when you found them. niall_b73 Quote Link to post
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