European fingernail clam
Sphaerium corneum
This record describes Sphaerium corneum (species). Recorded family: Sphaeriidae. Recorded order: Veneroida.
Identification and Appearance
Size: 9-11 mm across. This small freshwater bivalve mollusc is broadly oval and fairly globular with a central umbo. The colour of the shell is usually a brown to grey with the juveniles being more yellow colour. The surface is silky with very fine, irregular concentric growth ridges. These small clams are found in shallow, freshwater habitats with slow moving waters, including freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers. It is mainly a filter feeder and thus prefers healthy waters with good nutrition that provide a greater food source. These clams have exhibited a unique ability to climb up plants and structures around their habitat to find more optimal locations for feeding.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Order
- Veneroida
- Family
- Sphaeriidae
- Genus
- Sphaerium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
These small clams are found in shallow, freshwater habitats with slow moving waters, including freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is mainly a filter feeder and thus prefers healthy waters with good nutrition that provide a greater food source. These clams have exhibited a unique ability to climb up plants and structures around their habitat to find more optimal locations for feeding.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread
About Veneroida: the wider group
Order-level background for Veneroida, the group containing Sphaerium corneum. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
This is a smaller arthropod order with specialized ecological roles. Arthropods are the most diverse animal phylum, comprising over 80% of all known animal species with approximately 1.2 million described species globally.
Ecological role of the group
Members of this order contribute to broader arthropod ecosystem functions including decomposition, predation, and serving as food sources for vertebrates. Arthropod biodiversity is essential for ecosystem resilience.
Economic and practical significance of the group
While this order has limited direct economic impact, arthropods collectively provide ecosystem services worth trillions of dollars annually through pollination, decomposition, pest control, and nutrient cycling.
Recorded sources for this group: General entomology and arthropod research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of European fingernail clam (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About European fingernail clam
What is European fingernail clam?
European fingernail clam (Sphaerium corneum) is a species in the family Sphaeriidae, within the order Veneroida.
How big is European fingernail clam?
9-11 mm across. This small freshwater bivalve mollusc is broadly oval and fairly globular with a central umbo. The colour of the shell is usually a brown to grey with the juveniles being more yellow colour. The surface is silky with very fine, irregular concentric growth ridges.
Where is European fingernail clam found?
Habitat: These small clams are found in shallow, freshwater habitats with slow moving waters, including freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers.
When is European fingernail clam active?
European fingernail clam: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a European fingernail clam?
It is mainly a filter feeder and thus prefers healthy waters with good nutrition that provide a greater food source. These clams have exhibited a unique ability to climb up plants and structures around their habitat to find more optimal locations for feeding.