INVASIVE FRESHWATER CLAM, CORBICULA FLUMINEA, HABITATS IN THE LOWER CONNECTICUT RIVER

摘要

INTRODUCTION Corbicula fluminea is a rapidly reproducing freshwater clam, also referred to as the Asian Clam. Native to Southeast Asia and Africa, today it is found throughout Asia, North America, South America, Europe and parts of Africa. It was suspected to have been brought to North America by immigrants from China intending to harvest the Asian Clam (Muller, 1774). The Asian Clam is known as a popular biofouler, costing companies millions of dollars annually.