Energy metabolism and valve closure behaviour in the Asian clam Corbicula fluminea

摘要

Since its invasion of Europe in the early 1980s, the Asian clam Corbicula fluminea has become very abundant in nearly all western river systems. Today this species is one of the most important biomass producers in the River Rhine. Monitoring the valve movements of C fluminea over a period of 2 years revealed a circadian rhythm in summer, with extended periods (10-12 h) of valve closure, predominantly in the morning hours. Altogether valve movements were very scarce, frequently fewer than four movements per individual per day.