Body contents
Asian basket clam Corbula (Potamocorbula) amurensis competes with native species for food and space. It is highly adaptable and can form extremely dense aggregations on most areas except hard surfaces.
It is associated with significant changes in plankton productivity in areas it has invaded overseas. It may have prevented reestablishment of benthic communities after flooding in some areas.
What to look for
Features:
- dirty white, tan or yellow
- no exterior markings
- shells are unequal in size, with a distinctive overlap
- thin and smooth
- up to 3cm.
Where to look
Look in or around:
- mud
- sand.
Likely habitats include:
- partially buried in sediments
- shores and shallow waters
- cold temperate to subtropical waters.
Similar native species
These native species look similar to Asian basket clam. They do not need to be reported.
Serracorbula verconis
Features:
- white with small, translucent brown spots
- one side of shell is larger and overlaps the other
- concentric grooves
- solid, glossy shell that is hard to crush
- up to 10cm long.
Habitat:
- mud
- sand
- up to 65m deep.
Known locations are northern to southern Queensland and South Australia.
Paphies species
Features:
- white or cream shell with brown covering
- interior white
- up to 2.5cm long.
Habitat:
- sandy shores.
Known locations are New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.
Tellina semitorta
Features:
- usually white, sometimes pink shell
- up to 1.6cm long.
Habitat:
- sandy shores.
Known locations are South Queensland to New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
Report it
See something unusual? Report it. Even if you’re not sure.
If you see something you think is a pest:
- note the exact location (screenshot your map app or enable photo geotagging on your phone)
- take a photo (use something for size reference, like a coin or note)
- contact your state or territory authority.
Stop the spread of marine pests
Start with these simple steps:
- Inspect and clean your boat or yacht. Make sure you check hard to reach areas.
- Treat the hull of your boat or yacht regularly.
- Clean and dry your fishing and diving gear after every use.
How you can stop the spread of marine pests.
Your location
The map shows known pests and pests to look for around Australia.
