On this page
- What is the freshwater gold clam?
- Risk to New Zealand
- Where the clam has been found
- Biosecurity response
- Biosecurity measures include controlled area notices
- Check-Clean-Dry
- Treatment options for gear made of absorbent material
- Identifying clams, how you can help, resources
- Stay informed – get the latest news by email
What is the freshwater gold clam?
The freshwater gold clam (Corbicula fluminea) is native to eastern Asia and is widely established in North and South America and Europe.
Found in freshwater or brackish water, it can survive a wide range of temperatures and salinities and can live:
- in the water
- on top of sandy or muddy surfaces
- buried shallowly in sand or mud with their shells partly exposed.
They can also be found among debris, such as leaves, that may have settled on the riverbed.
Freshwater gold clams are prolific breeders, able to produce 400 juveniles a day and up to 70,000 juveniles a year.