Invasive Shellfish at Lake Teramuggus
Per the USFWS:
The Asian clam is a filter feeder that removes particles from the water column. It can be found at the sediment surface or slightly buried. Its ability to reproduce rapidly, coupled with low tolerance of cold temperatures (2-30°C), can produce wild swings in population sizes from year to year in northern water bodies.
Current methods of introduction include bait bucket introductions, accidental introductions associated with imported aquaculture species, and intentional introductions by people who buy them as a food item in markets. The only other significant dispersal agent is thought to be passive movement via water currents; fish and birds are not considered to be significant distribution vectors.
The most prominent effect of the introduction of the Asian clam into the United States has been biofouling, especially of complex power plant and industrial water systems. It has also been documented to cause problems in irrigation canals and pipes and drinking water supplies. It also alters benthic substrates, and competes with native species for limited resources.
C. fluminea is consumed mainly by fish and crayfish. This clam has been found in the stomachs of black buffalo - Ictiobus niger; carp - Cyprinus carpio, channel catfish - Ictalurus punctatus, yellow bullhead - Ameiurus natalis, redear sunfish - Lepomis microlophus, largemouth bass - Micropterus salmoides, Mozambique tilapia - Tilapia mossambica (Minckley 1982); blue catfish - Ictalurus furcatus; and spotted catfish - Ameiurus serracanthus. Other predators of Corbicula include birds, raccoons, crayfish, and flatworms.
According to the CT DEEP
This species was introduced into North America in the early 20th Century. It spread throughout middle and southern parts of the continent,
but did not spread far northward because it could not tolerate cold water. It was accidentally introduced into the Connecticut River and for
years was only found below the power plant in Haddam, presumably because the plant’s warm effluent created favorable conditions. It has
recently spread upstream in the Connecticut River.
