Aquatic Nuisance - Asian clam
Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea)
Where did they come from?
- Originated from Southern Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean Sea.
Where can they be found in South Dakota?
- Asian clams are established in Lake Lewis anc Clark and the Missouri River below Gavins Point Dam.
What do they look like?
- Asian clam shells range in color from dark brown to yellow. The entire shell is covered with concentric ridges. The hinge portion of the shell may be white or pale yellow.
Why are they a problem?
- Asian clams are known to biofoul (clog) municipal, industrial and agricultural water facilities and pipes.
- They filter plankton from the water for food which may affect the lower levels of the food web.
How are they spread?
- Asian clams are spread by human transport via boats and recreational equipment.
- Asian clams spread naturally downstream by river and stream currents.
Check out Aquatic Nuisance Species Prevention on ways to prevent the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species
Asian Clam links
USGS fact sheet on Asian Clams
Pictures of Asian Clams
South Dakota Asian Clam Distribution Map
SD AIS Species
A.I.S. Fish
Asian Carp
Common Carp
Western Mosquitofish
European Rudd
Snakehead
A.I.S. Invertebrates
Zebra & Quagga Mussels
Rusty Crayfish
Asian Clam
New Zealand Mudsnail
Red-rimmed Melania
A.I.S. Plants
Brittle Naiad
Didymo
Curlyleaf Pondweed
Flowering Rush
Eurasian Water Milfoil
Purple Loosestrife