European Clam

The European clam (Varicorbula gibba) has been found in South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.

Habitat

  • Shallow burrower in thick muddy sand
  • Sometimes attaches to gravel and stones by a single byssal (hair-like) thread
  • Tolerant of low oxygen levels and survives well in polluted environments

A European Clam

Description

  • 15 to 20 cm in length
  • The smaller valve (shell) fits into the larger valve
  • The larger valve has well developed, flat, concentric ridges which are widely spaced, whereas the smaller valve has finer, closely set, raised ridges
  • Umbones (apex areas of outer shells) on both valves are high and curved with a single well defined cardinal tooth in each shell
  • Shell colour usually cream/ white with brown patches on bands

You can help

Early detection and monitoring by the community are vital tools in controlling the spread and minimising the impact of marine pests.

If you know what species are normally present in all marine habitats you can learn to recognise any unusual species or species showing an abnormal change in abundance. 

You might not be able to identify a particular organism as a new invading species based on its shape or colour, but you might notice that this new organism has rapidly overgrown rocks and shoreline that historically had been a diverse community of other types of marine life.


What to do if you find an introduced species

  • Record the location accurately (use Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates if possible)
  • Record the depth and type of bottom (eg sandy, rocky and so on)
  • Record how it was found, for example tangled in fishing tackle or anchor, drifting or sighted attached to a substrate
  • Collect a sample (except in an aquatic reserve) and store it in a plastic bag
  • Don’t throw any suspicious animal or weed back in the water
  • Report all sightings of suspected marine pests to the 24 hour FISHWATCH hotline on 1800 065 522