Sphaeriidae: Difference between revisions

From Soil Ecology Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
← Older edit
Gabeclin (talk | contribs)
inactive
52 edits
No edit summary
Linares4 (talk | contribs)
159 edits
 
(45 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Sphaeriidae''' (also known as pea clams or fingernail clams) is a family of small, freshwater bivalves in the order Sphaeriida and consists of 10 genera with 154 species. They are both hermaphrodites and ovoviviparous, giving birth to young that resemble miniature versions of adults [1].


== Definition ==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin-left: 10px;
|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)|'''Scientific Classification'''
|-
|colspan="2" |[[File:Fingernail-clams-on-hand_(1).jpg |500px|)]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Kingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |Animalia
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Phylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Mullusca
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Class:
|style="min-width:6em; |Bivalvia
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Order:
|style="min-width:6em; |Sphaeridda
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Family:
|style="min-width:6em; |Sphaerioidea
|-
|colspan="2" |Source: Goliad Farms [8]
|}


'''Sphaeriidae''' (also known as pea clams or fingernail clams) is a family of small, freshwater bivalves in the order Sphaeriida and consist of 10 genera with 154 species. They are both hermaphrodites and ovoviviparous, giving birth to young that resemble miniature versions of adults [1].
== Identification ==  
=== Taxonomy ===
'''Kingdom:''' Animalia


'''Phylum:''' Mollusca
Shells are usually rounded or oval, but some species have more of a trigonal or tetragonal shape. The colors range from pale yellow or white to chestnut or dark brown [2]. The size can range from <3mm in the smallest species (pisidium punctatum) to approximately 25mm for the largest (spharium simile) [2]. They can be easily missed in the field stream studies because of their small size. Juvenile shells are more yellow. Sphaeriidaes can live up to 3 years and mature at 4mm [3].
 
'''Class:''' Bivalvia
 
'''Subclass:''' Heterodonta
 
'''Order:''' Sphaeriida
 
'''Family:''' Sphaeriidae
 
 
[[File:fingernail-clams-on-hand.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Multiple specimens of ''Sphaerium corneum'', the European fingernail clam, found on [https://goliadfarms.com/fingernail-clams-sphaerium-corneum Goliad Farms] in Texas.]]
 
== Morphology and Anatomy ==


== Habitat and Range ==
== Habitat and Range ==


In North America, native species of sphaeriid have a broad distribution often ranging from the Atlantic to Pacific coast. Introduced species, such as ''Corbicula fluminea'' which originates from southeast Asia, also exhibit widespread distribution [2]. Many of these species occur in ephemeral ponds, small, variable flow streams, and profundal regions of lakes [3]. The preference of sphaeriids for these regions of low water flow, high [[silt]], and large organic loads may reflect their lifestyle of sediment detritus feeding [4]. Species [[diversity]] in the genus ''Pisidium'' has also been shown to increase with decreasing particle size, indicating substrate preferences among sphaeriids possibly linked to their sediment feeding mechanisms [5]. Many sphaeriids are tolerant to air exposure which they achieve through unique emersion adaptations [6].
Native in Eurasia [3]. In North America, native species of sphaeriids have a broad distribution, often ranging from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast. They can be found in aquatic habitats, from large lakes and rivers to springs, bogs, and [[Vernal Pools|vernal pools]]. But unlike mussels, Sphaeriidae will not burrow very deep into the sediment (<3mm). They usually occur in large numbers [4]. They are most common in the sandy or muddy sediments of lakes, slow-flowing streams, seepage, and swamp habitats [5].
=== Distribution Methods ===
 
== Ecology ==


== Life History ==
== Life History ==


Sphaeriids display large variations in life history strategies on both an intra- and interspecific level [7]. They exhibit traits commonly associated with unstable habitats (short life spans, early maturity, small adult size, and increased energetic allocation to reproduction) as well as traits associated with stable habitats (slow growth rates, low fecundity, and release of large, fully developed young) [8]. All species exhibit viviparous reproduction with embryos developing in specialized chambers from outgrowths of the inner demibranch gill filaments. The internal gestation of young lead to sphaeriids having the largest young out of any freshwater bivalves with newborns measuring 0.6 to 4.15 mm and having a biomass of 0.6 to 4.6% that of adults [9] [3]. Seasonal water availability fluctuations and hypoxia associated with their habitats have also influenced the development of developed juveniles as they are more susceptible to environmental stress. This means that sphaeriids dedicate more energy into fewer offspring than those produced by other freshwater bivalves [3]. This initial head start in development in juveniles also leads to faster maturation to a reproduction before the start of seasonal stress. The term “bet hedging” has been used to describe the mixture of r- and K-selective traits allowing for increased fitness in environments with periodic, predicable stress [10].
Shariid life history traits include their viviparous reproduction. This means they brood their young internally. The embryos develop within specialized chambers, supplied with maternal nutrients, and are released as fully formed miniature adults. Even though adult sphaeriids are the smallest of all North American freshwater bivalves, they release the largest young. The average birth shell length ranged from 0.6 to 4.15 mm. Seasonal water availability fluctuations and hypoxia associated with their habitats have also influenced the development of juveniles, as they are more susceptible to environmental stress. This can cause high adult mortality. They devote more energy to reproduction than other freshwater bivalves. The term “bet-hedging” has been used to describe the mixture of r- and K-selective traits allowing for increased fitness in environments with periodic, predictable stress [6].
 
[[File:Clam_on_a_blue_spotted_salamander.PNG|200px|thumb|left|A Pea Clam, ''Pisidium adamsi'', attached to the hindfoot of a [[Blue-spotted salamander]], ''Ambystoma laterale'' (Photo by [https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/28008062 R.E. Merrick]).]]
 
== Ecological Importance ==


== Threats and Conservation ==
[[File:Clam_on_a_blue_spotted_salamander.PNG|200px|thumb|right|A Pea Clam, ''Pisidium adamsi'', attached to the hindfoot of a [[Blue-spotted salamander]], ''Ambystoma laterale'' (Photo by [https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/28008062 R.E. Merrick]).]]


== Research ==  
== Research ==  


Since sphaeriids are hermaphrodites they have an invasive dispersal pattern as only one individual is theoretically needed to establish a population. Mechanisms for aiding in dispersal include juveniles clamping down on parts of other organism such as aquatic [[insects]], water fowl, and [[salamanders]] [3] [11]. They effectively use the other organism as transport to a new environment where they can detach. Some can even survive digestion by ducks allowing for dispersal over a longer distance [3].
Since sphaeriids are hermaphrodites, they have an invasive dispersal pattern, as only one individual is theoretically needed to establish a population. Mechanisms for aiding in dispersal include juveniles clamping down on parts of another organism, such as aquatic [[insects]], water fowl, and [[salamanders]][7]. They effectively use the other organism as transport to a new environment where they can detach.


== References ==
== References ==


# Allaby, Michael. A Dictionary of Zoology, Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2020. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.gate.lib.buffalo.edu/lib/buffalo/detail.action?docID=6230105.
# Allaby, Michael. A Dictionary of Zoology, Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2020. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.gate.lib.buffalo.edu/lib/buffalo/detail.action?docID=6230105.
# McMahon, Robert. (2000). Invasive characteristics of the freshwater bivalve Corbicula fulminea. Nonindigenous Freshwater [[Organisms]]: Vectors, Bilogy, and Impacts (2000), pp 315-343. https://search.lib.buffalo.edu/permalink/01SUNY_BUF/r66d6a/alma990020146270204803.
# Frankiewicz, A. (2018). Guideline for field collecting and preserving Sphaeriidae clams, for DNA and Taxonomic research. https://www.greatlakeswetlands.org/docs/QAPPs_SOPs/SOP%20for%20collecting%20fingernail%20clams.pdf
# Burky, A. J. 1983. Physiological [[ecology]] of freshwater bivalves. in: Russell-Hunter, W. D., Ed. The Mollusca. Vol. 6 : Ecology. Academic Press, New York, pp. 281 – 327. https://search.lib.buffalo.edu/permalink/01SUNY_BUF/r66d6a/alma990002424480204803.
# European [[Fingernail Clam|fingernail clam]] (Sphaerium corneum) - Species Profile. (n.d.). USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=131
# Lopez, G. R., Holopainen, I. J. 1987. Interstitial suspension-feeding by Pisidium sp. (Pisididae: Bivalvia): a new guild in the lentic benthos? American Malacological Bulletin 5:21 – 30. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/45940177.
# Identification and [[ecology]] of Australian freshwater [[invertebrates]]. (n.d.-b). https://www.mdfrc.org.au/bugguide/display.asp?class=22&subclass=&order=59&Couplet=0&Type=3
# Kilgour, B. W., Mackie, G. L. 1988. Factors affecting the distribution of sphaeriid bivalves in Britannia Bay of the Ottawa River. Nautilus 102:73 – 77. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/8276899.
# Fingernail clams (Sphaeriidae). (n.d.). Manaaki Whenua. https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/tools-and-resources/identification/freshwater-invertebrates-guide/identification-guide-what-freshwater-invertebrate-is-this/no-jointed-legs/molluscs/bivalves/fingernail-clams-sphaeriidae/
# Byrne, R. A., McMahon, R. F. 1994. Behavioral and physiological responses to emersion in freshwater bivalves. American Zoologist 34:194 – 204. https://www-jstor-org.gate.lib.buffalo.edu/stable/3883685.
# Sphaeriidae. (n.d.). Science Direct. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/sphaeriidae
# Holopainen, I. J., Hanski, I. 1986. Life history variation in Pisidium . Holarctic Ecology 9:85 – 98. https://www-jstor-org.gate.lib.buffalo.edu/stable/3682082.
# Club, O. F. (1982). The Canadian field-naturalist. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/28008061#page/230/mode/1up
# Sibly, R. M., Calow, P. 1986. Physiological ecology of [[animals]]: an evolutionary approach. Blackwell, London. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2829513.
# Charles. (2017, February 1). Fingernail Clams, Sphaerium corneum. Goliad Farms. https://goliadfarms.com/fingernail-clams-sphaerium-corneum/
# Mackie, G. L. 1984. Bivalves. in: Tompa, A. S., Verdonk, N. H., van der Biggelaar, J. A. M. Eds. The Mollusca. Vol. 7: Reproduction. Academic Press, New York, pp. 351 – 418. https://search.lib.buffalo.edu/permalink/01SUNY_BUF/r66d6a/alma990002424480204803.
# Stearns, S. C. 1980. A new view of life-history evolution. Oikos 35:266 – 281. https://doi-org.gate.lib.buffalo.edu/10.2307/3544434.
# Davis, D. S., Gilhen, J. 1982. An observation of the transportation of pea clams, Pisidium adamsi, by bluespotted salamanders, Ambystoma laterale. The Canadian Naturalist 96:213 – 215. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/28008061.

Latest revision as of 23:08, 1 May 2025

Sphaeriidae (also known as pea clams or fingernail clams) is a family of small, freshwater bivalves in the order Sphaeriida and consists of 10 genera with 154 species. They are both hermaphrodites and ovoviviparous, giving birth to young that resemble miniature versions of adults [1].

Scientific Classification
)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mullusca
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Sphaeridda
Family: Sphaerioidea
Source: Goliad Farms [8]

Identification

Shells are usually rounded or oval, but some species have more of a trigonal or tetragonal shape. The colors range from pale yellow or white to chestnut or dark brown [2]. The size can range from <3mm in the smallest species (pisidium punctatum) to approximately 25mm for the largest (spharium simile) [2]. They can be easily missed in the field stream studies because of their small size. Juvenile shells are more yellow. Sphaeriidaes can live up to 3 years and mature at 4mm [3].

Habitat and Range

Native in Eurasia [3]. In North America, native species of sphaeriids have a broad distribution, often ranging from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast. They can be found in aquatic habitats, from large lakes and rivers to springs, bogs, and vernal pools. But unlike mussels, Sphaeriidae will not burrow very deep into the sediment (<3mm). They usually occur in large numbers [4]. They are most common in the sandy or muddy sediments of lakes, slow-flowing streams, seepage, and swamp habitats [5].

Life History

Shariid life history traits include their viviparous reproduction. This means they brood their young internally. The embryos develop within specialized chambers, supplied with maternal nutrients, and are released as fully formed miniature adults. Even though adult sphaeriids are the smallest of all North American freshwater bivalves, they release the largest young. The average birth shell length ranged from 0.6 to 4.15 mm. Seasonal water availability fluctuations and hypoxia associated with their habitats have also influenced the development of juveniles, as they are more susceptible to environmental stress. This can cause high adult mortality. They devote more energy to reproduction than other freshwater bivalves. The term “bet-hedging” has been used to describe the mixture of r- and K-selective traits allowing for increased fitness in environments with periodic, predictable stress [6].

A Pea Clam, Pisidium adamsi, attached to the hindfoot of a Blue-spotted salamander, Ambystoma laterale (Photo by R.E. Merrick).

Research

Since sphaeriids are hermaphrodites, they have an invasive dispersal pattern, as only one individual is theoretically needed to establish a population. Mechanisms for aiding in dispersal include juveniles clamping down on parts of another organism, such as aquatic insects, water fowl, and salamanders[7]. They effectively use the other organism as transport to a new environment where they can detach.

References

  1. Allaby, Michael. A Dictionary of Zoology, Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2020. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.gate.lib.buffalo.edu/lib/buffalo/detail.action?docID=6230105.
  2. Frankiewicz, A. (2018). Guideline for field collecting and preserving Sphaeriidae clams, for DNA and Taxonomic research. https://www.greatlakeswetlands.org/docs/QAPPs_SOPs/SOP%20for%20collecting%20fingernail%20clams.pdf
  3. European fingernail clam (Sphaerium corneum) - Species Profile. (n.d.). USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=131
  4. Identification and ecology of Australian freshwater invertebrates. (n.d.-b). https://www.mdfrc.org.au/bugguide/display.asp?class=22&subclass=&order=59&Couplet=0&Type=3
  5. Fingernail clams (Sphaeriidae). (n.d.). Manaaki Whenua. https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/tools-and-resources/identification/freshwater-invertebrates-guide/identification-guide-what-freshwater-invertebrate-is-this/no-jointed-legs/molluscs/bivalves/fingernail-clams-sphaeriidae/
  6. Sphaeriidae. (n.d.). Science Direct. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/sphaeriidae
  7. Club, O. F. (1982). The Canadian field-naturalist. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/28008061#page/230/mode/1up
  8. Charles. (2017, February 1). Fingernail Clams, Sphaerium corneum. Goliad Farms. https://goliadfarms.com/fingernail-clams-sphaerium-corneum/
Retrieved from "http://soil.evs.buffalo.edu/index.php?title=Sphaeriidae&oldid=13510"