Fingernail Clam

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Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Mollusca

Class: Bivalvia

Order: Sphaeriida

Figure 1- Fingernal Clam

Introduction

Fingernail clams (Pisidium moitessierianum) are small bivalve mollusks of a family called Sphaeriidae, which includes many similar small freshwater clams [4]. Fingernail clams are also referred to as Pill Clams or Pea Clams. These clams are easily identified. They are less than half an inch wide and can range from dark tan to pale yellow.[3] Their shells mirror each other and are hinged at the rear; the mollusk's growth rings are also usually quite prominent.[1]

Range & Habitat

Fingernail Clams live along the bottom or sides of water bodies like lakes, ponds, and vernal pools. They can use their foot to traverse their way through leaf litter and sediment. This species is native to Europe but has been introduced to northeastern North America. They feed on suspended material in the water column by filtering it through siphons[5]. They prefer clean well well-oxygenated water. Fingernail Clams are also hermaphroditic and only live for 1-2 years. They have internal fertilization and brood their young, meaning the larvae partially develop on the parent before being released.[2]

Figure 2- Fingernal Clam attached to Blue Spotted Salamander Toe

Name Origin

Though most believe fingernail claims got their name because they are commonly seen attaching themselves to the toes of amphibians, this is not the case. Fingernail Clams got their name because they are the size of a fingernail and resemble human fingernails in shape and color.

Refrences

[1] Association, M. N. 2021, July 27. Species Spotlight: Fingernail Clam.

[2]European fingernail clam (Sphaerium corneum) - Species Profile. (n.d.). . https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=131.

[3]Fingernail Clams | Missouri Department of Conservation. (n.d.). . https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/fingernail-clams.

[4]Hazard, C., E. A. Lilleskov, and T. R. Horton. 2012. Is rarity of pinedrops (Pterospora andromedea) in eastern North America linked to rarity of its unique fungal symbiont? Mycorrhiza 22:393–402. Martin, S. M. 1998. Freshwater Fingernail and Pea Clams (Bivalvia: Veneroida: Sphaeriidae) of Maine. Northeastern Naturalist 5:29–60. https://www.jstor.org/stable/3858319?seq=1

[5]Thompson, C. M., and R. E. Sparks. 1978. Comparative Nutritional Value of a Native Fingernail Clam and the Introduced Asiatic Clam. The Journal of Wildlife Management 42:391–396.https://www.jstor.org/stable/3800275?seq=1