Class Bivalvia (Bivalves)
Order Veneroida
Family Cyrenidae
Species Corbicula fluminea (O. F. Müller, 1774)
Length of shell up to 45 mm.
An unmistakable species, which has a solid, thick shell with prominant umbos, and a very distinct raised concentric ribs which are evenly spaced. Rounded triangular in shape, olive to yellowish-green in colour. The hinge plate is robust, and strongly arched. There are three cardinal teeth in each valve raditaing from the beaks. Latteral teeth serrated and flattened.
Found in freshwater lakes, rivers, streams and canal systems. Spreading rapidly, an invasive species which was unknown in Britain before October 1998. Originated in China, Korea, south-eastern Russia, and the Ussuri Basin.
Found in local canal, South Staffordshire July 2021. © Peter Hillman.
Species identification confirmed and recorded by an expert from iRecord.
Nature Journeys 