Asian clam

Potamocorbula amurensis

Asian clam

Legal Status: Unwanted Organism - MFish

Status in New Zealand: Not in New Zealand

Organism: Water snails, crabs, shellfish, starfish, and other aquatic

Pest and disease search

This species is NOT in New Zealand.

Report any sightings to ph 0800 809 966

General information

Asian clam is a shellfish with a distinctive uneven overbite and found in estuaries and brackish waters. It is 2-3cm across and the shell is a dirty white, yellow or tan colour.

It can live in fresh and salt water and consumes large amounts of phyto- and zooplankton, so can substantially change any marine community. It is native to Japan, Korea and China, though has now invaded parts of the west coast of the United States.

Young clams can be caught up in a ship's ballast water while adults can attach to fishing equipment.