SURVEY OF CORHICULA FLUMINEA IN OWENS CREEK AND CONDITION INDEX VALUES

Abstract

Corbicula fiuminea is an invasive clam from Southeast Asia that can be found in waterways across the United States. However, little research has been done to determine how sediment organic matter effects clams' distribution and condition indices. A field survey established that the clams in a third order piedmont stream preferred low organic sediment, moderate flows, and the intermediate depths. Contrary to other research, the condition or length of the clams does not seem to change with various amounts of sediment organic content. Although this study did not show that clams' condition or abundance increased with rising sediment organic matter values, C. fiuminea could have major impacts on stream dynamics in this stream and other locations through bioturbation and filter feeding.