Invasive Clam in Brisbane River Wont Be Eradicated, Officials Say

Despite announcing the detection of an invasive freshwater mollusc in the Brisbane River authorities will not attempt to eradicate it. The invasive freshwater Corbicula fluminea is a bivalve gold clam native to Asia and was detected in several parts of the Brisbane River in February. Its large spawning capacity, producing up to 400 offspring per day, can crowd out native species and block waterways, water treatment plants, and dams. The clam typically ranges from 1 to 5 centimetres (2 inches) in size, with a distinctive triangular shape and a yellowish or brownish shell, often marked with concentric ridges. This clam is capable of rapid reproduction, with females producing thousands of eggs per year. Additionally, Corbicula fluminea is a filter feeder, meaning it can quickly deplete food sources in an introduced environment, and it can tolerate diverse environments....