The Asiatic Clam is officially called the Corbicula fluminea and is a species of freshwater clam. It is an aquatic bivalve mollusk . This species originated in Asia, but it has been introduced in many parts of the world like Europe and North America. These clams feed primarily on phytoplankton (algae), which they filter from the muddy bottom of streams, lakes, and canals. They prefer to live in sand or gravel substances, in areas with running water.
Asiatic clams a hermaphroditic, which means that one clam produces both eggs and sperm. Thus, they are capable of self-fertilization. Yet they can also release sperm into the water that can be captured by other clams for the fertilization of eggs. One clam can produce as many as 70,000 larvae per year.
These clams, due to their invasiveness, can cause biofouling. Biofouling is the impairment of something as a result of the growth of a living organism or living organisms. Too many clams in one area can result in the clogging of pipes and canals, which damages power plants of water treatment centers.
This species is known as an invasive species. This means they multiply in numbers very quickly, and can grow to dominant a habitat.
No comments:
Post a Comment