European Ocean Biodiversity Information System
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Mya arenaria
VLIZ Alien Species Consortium (2022). Mya arenaria. Niet-inheemse soorten in het Belgisch deel van de Noordzee en omliggende estuaria = Non-indigenous species from the Belgian part of the North Sea and estuaria. VLIZ Alien Species Consortium (VLIZ): Oostende. Diff. pag. pp.
Part of: Niet-inheemse soorten in het Belgisch deel van de Noordzee en omliggende estuaria = Non-indigenous species from the Belgian part of the North Sea and estuaria. VLIZ Alien Species Consortium (VLIZ): Ostend. ISSN 2983-5518
Related to:
VLIZ Alien Species Consortium (2020). Mya arenaria - Strandgaper, in: Verleye, T. et al. Niet-inheemse soorten in het Belgisch deel van de Noordzee en aanpalende estuaria. VLIZ Special Publication, 86: pp. 507-512, more
Keyword
    Mya arenaria Linnaeus, 1758 [WoRMS]
Project Top | Author 
  • Niet-inheemse soorten in het Belgisch deel van de Noordzee en omliggende estuaria
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  • VLIZ Alien Species Consortium
Abstract
    The softshell clam Mya arenaria got introduced from America in the 16th or 17th century via shipping. However, there are indications that the Vikings brought this species – intentionally for consumption or accidentally in the water of the ship’s hold – to Europe in the 13th century. Because of its opportunistic lifestyle, the species can survive in different environments, which explains its global distribution. This large bivalve (up to 15 cm) can strongly influence the environment when present in large numbers. Due to its buried lifestyle (up to 40 cm deep), its presence is often difficult to determine.
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