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Sphaerium simile (Say, 1817)
Grooved Fingernailclam
Family: Sphaeriidae
Introduction to the Molluscs of BC

Photograph

© Ian Gardiner     (Photo ID #118119)

Map

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Distribution of Sphaerium simile in British Columbia in British Columbia

Introduction


Sphaerium simile is found throughout southern Canada (Clarke, 1981), and southwards into the United States but apparently not extending south of the area covered by the glaciers (Herrington, 1962). It is found in southern British Columbia.

A common species (Clarke, 1981), with the largest populations seeming to occur on depositional substrates in lakes and eddies of permanent rivers and creeks. In lakes, the substrate is usually mud or sand, or both, and submersed vegetation is usually common. In creeks and rivers, the substrate is often thick organic ooze and vegetation may or may not be present (Mackie, 2007).

Note Author: Ian Gardiner

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)		COSEWIC
NativeS5?YellowNot Listed



BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Synonyms and Alternate Names

Sphaerium sulcatum (Lamarck, 1818)

Additional Range and Status Information Links

NatureServe Explorer

Species References

Clarke, A.H. 1981. The freshwater molluscs of Canada. National Museum of Natural Sciences, National Museums of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario: 446pp.

Herrington, H.B. 1962. A revision of the Sphaeriidae of North America (Mollusca: Pelecypoda). Miscellaneous Publications, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, No. 118: 74pp, 7 plates.

Mackie, G.L. 2007. Biology of freshwater corbiculid and sphaeriid clams of North America. Ohio Biological Survey Bulletin New Series. Vol XV No. 3: ix + 436pp.

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