Occurrence of the invasive species Corbicula fluminea (Bivalvia, Corbiculidae) in the Sapucaí River (São Paulo, Brazil)

Abstract

Biological invasions are gaining increasing importance due to the ecological damage and economic impacts caused by the invaders. Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) is an invasive exotic bivalve introduced into Brazil in the 1970's, and it has colonized the major rivers of the south and southeast. This species, owing to its adaptations to the environment, speed of colonization and reproductive success among others parameters, quickly occupies the substrates preferred by the natives. The present study registers its occurrence in Sapucaí River, São Paulo State. Samples were taken at two different sites of the river with different substrates, one sandy and another muddy. Granulometric analysis and determination of the organic matter content of the sediment were then conducted. The individuals captured in sandy sediment showed higher densities, higher average size, and therefore higher average biomass.