Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Corbicula fluminalis (a clam, no common name) - Uncertain Risk

Species that are considered uncertain risk need a more in-depth assessment beyond the Risk Summary to better define the species’ risk to U.S. environments. This additional information will help inform decisions on where, when, and how the species may be used to minimize risks of them becoming invasive.

Corbicula fluminalis is a bivalve with a wide and uncertain native range. The reported native range includes parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The species has been introduced and is now established in several European countries and in one location in South America. Distributional uncertainty is primarily due to unresolved morphological issues within the Corbicula genus. Discovery of C. fluminalis beyond its native range is typically after it has established a population. C. fluminalis can exist at high abundances, but no research has yet shown a connection between C. fluminalis abundance and negative ecological, human health, or economic effects. C. fluminalis is a poorly understood species and more research is needed to better understand introduction pathways, morphological traits, and distribution. Climate match within the contiguous United States is high overall, with few areas of low match. Because of the high degree of taxonomic uncertainty surrounding this genus and existing knowledge gaps, risk assessment for Corbicula fluminalis within the contiguous United States is uncertain.