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Sphaerium rhomboideum (Say, 1822)
Rhomboid Fingernailclam
Family: Sphaeriidae
Introduction to the Molluscs of BC

Photograph

© Ian Gardiner     (Photo ID #51417)

Map

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Distribution of Sphaerium rhomboideum in British Columbia in British Columbia

Introduction


Sphaerium rhomboideum is endemic to North America. It is found between the parallels of 42° and 55° north latitude, extending between the Pacific and Atlantic coastal zones (Mackie, 2007). It occurs in southernmost British Columbia.

This species seems to attain its largest size and population densities in small lakes and ponds with muddy bottoms and dense vegetation (Mackie, 2007). It is found in the eddies of creeks and rivers (Herrington, 1962), while Clarke (1973) reported it from the muddy parts of large lakes and (rarely) gravel bottoms of rivers, with or without sand.

Note Author: Ian Gardiner

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)		COSEWIC
NativeS4S5YellowNot Listed



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

Synonyms and Alternate Names

Cyclas elegans Adams, 1840
Cyclas rhomboidea Say, 1822

Additional Range and Status Information Links

NatureServe Explorer

Species References

Clarke, A.H. 1973. The freshwater molluscs of the Canadian Interior Basin. Malacologia 13 (1-2): 1-509.

Herrington, H.B. 1962. A revision of the Sphaeriidae of North America (Mollusca: Pelecypoda). Miscellaneous Publications, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, No. 118: 74 pp, 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 + 436 pp.

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