Meeting Abstract
P2.29 Jan. 5 Asiatic Freshwater Clam, Corbicula fluminea (O. F. M�ller, 1774): Density, Distribution, Predation, Fecundity and Growth Rate in Puerto Rico SANCHEZ-CACERES, Javier*; PEREZ-REYES, Omar; University of Puerto Rico javitobilito@gmail.com
There have been reports of the presence of the exotic, invasive bivalve Corbicula fluminea in the island of Puerto Rico, but no study has been made to determine it�s biological impact on the island. Corbicula fluminea is able to restrict water flow in irrigating canals, pipes, and also in cooling systems of power plants with the accumulations of dead shells. It also alters benthic substrate, and competes with native species (Mytilopsis dominguensis, Cyrenoida americana, Psidium casertanum and Eupera portoricensis) for limited resources. Localities, outside the island, where this invasive clam has been reported show densities of 12,000ind./m2. In Puerto Rico, several rivers were sampled in order to determine substrate preference, fecundity, growth rate, density and predation. Corbicula was collected in Guajataca Lake and in several rivers from the eastern part of the island (R�o Patillas, R�o La Plata, Cidra Lake and R�o Grande de Lo�za, and Carra�zo Lake). At the Guajataca Lake, a density of 12,565ind./m3 was recorded. Predation was determined by the addition of medium sized clams to different animal species including macro-invertebrates and fishes. The number of eaten clams were recorded and replaced by clams of the same length every 24 hours. Adult clams were dissected in order to determine fecundity rate. Growth rate was determined in juvenile clams (1.5 – 5.1mm of shell length) and marking them on its newest growth line.
