Invasive Species Alert

Asian clam

Corbicula fluminea (Müller 1774)
Date Issued: April 2010

Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea) was recorded from the River Barrow in St. Mullins on 13/04/2010 by Pascal Sweeney and its identity confirmed on 15/04/2010 by Evelyn Moorkens.

Like the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) Asian Clam has the ability to become highly invasive in a short period of time and at high densities it can alter the food web and compete with native mussel species.

This species was listed as a Most Unwanted potential invader by the Invasive Species Ireland 2007 risk assessment and as one of 13 priority potential invasive species by the EPA STRIVE invasive species project.

If you see this species please take a photograph, note its exact location and submit a record to the National Invasive Species Database.  The information will be passed on to the relevant experts for verification and can help in preventing the spread of this highly invasive species.

Important up-date: Asian Clam now found in Carrick-on-Shannon and Lough Derg.