Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Corbicula fluminea

DESCRIPTION:  This freshwater bivalve mollusk with distinct concentric rows of 
elevated ridges on the shells.  The shell is rounded to slightly triangular.  The exterior is usually brown in color but can vary to a yellowish-gold.  The nacre, or interior of the shell, is usually white to light purple.  The average adult size is rarely larger than 1.5 inches.   



Reproduction! - Right after reaching maturity these clams produce eggs, followed by sperm. Even later, they produce eggs and sperm simultaneously. They can self-fertilize, and release up to 2,000 juveniles per day, and more than 100,000 in a lifetime. Juveniles are only 1 mm long when discharged, and take one to four years to reach maturity. At this time they are about one centimeter long. Adults can reach a length of about 5 cm.



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