Bivalve Superpower: The Global Invasion of Corbiculid Clams
Francis Albert T. Argente *
College of Fisheries, Pangasinan State University – Binmaley Campus, Binmaley, Pangasinan, 2417, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Corbiculidae is a family of clams which has the capability of invading habitats. Particularly, there are three genera (Batissa, Polymesoda, Corbicula) which are widely distributed all over the world. The genus Batissa territories are the tropical India and Indo-Pacific Region. Polymesoda species are tropical colonizers while Corbicula conquered all continents except Antarctica. Dispersal of the bivalves may take place by different media which includes animal, human and environmental phenomena. C. fluminea is the most successful invader with widest scope of distribution, worldwide. The invasion of corbiculid clams may bring apparent instability in the environment. Controlling the invasion is necessary to maintain the balance of nature.
Keywords: Biogeography, dispersal mechanism, bioinvasions, molluscs.