The Asian clam is an invasive species confirmed in Vermont waters in 2016 in Lake Bomoseen. This is currently the only place they have been found in Vermont, but they have invaded waters throughout the United States. Asian clams are native to temperate and tropical regions throughout much of Asia and Africa, as well as the eastern Mediterranean and parts of Australia Invasive freshwater bivalves like the Asian clam use resources needed by native species and can increase algae blooms. Asian clams form dense populations very quickly, clogging water intake pipes and irrigation canals.
Key Characteristics
- Size: Under 2 inches
- Shape: Triangular or rounded triangular, centrally located beak and obvious growth rings. Shells are thick with deep and very distinctive growth rings. They have more symmetrical shells than native bivalves of the Northeast
- Periostracum: Yellow-green to light brown
- Lateral Teeth: Present with many fine serrations, 2 on right valve, 1 on left
- Pseudocardinal Teeth: 3 on both the right and left valve.
- Nacre: White to light blue or light purple
Habitat
The Asian Clam prefers good water quality with moderate currents, sand or gravel substrate, and high oxygen levels, but is found in an extremely wide variety of habitat. It has little tolerance for low oxygen conditions and pollution.
