Asiatic Clam

Corbicula Sp.
Appearance: Generally small in size, ranging from thumbnail to approximately one inch across. It is wide and round across the back; typically thin-walled and dark brown with yellow or green bands on the outer edges. Do not confuse it with the mahogany clams.
Native Area: Asia
Typical Location: The clam is a very prolific freshwater shellfish, usually found in most streams and lakes. Large populations are known to exist in the Catawba River and its surrounding lakes.
Public Health Significance: This shellfish is not approved for harvesting for human consumption. Any of these shellfish found for sale in North Carolina must be considered adulterated and immediately removed from sale, disposed of or embargoed. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission rules do not allow taking of these clams in flowing waters and strictly limit the number that can be taken in impounded waters for use as fish bait.