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Science 28 September 1984:
Vol. 225. no. 4669, pp. 1491 - 1493
DOI: 10.1126/science.225.4669.1491
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Articles

Flotation of the Bivalve Corbicula fluminea as a Means of Dispersal

ROBERT S. PREZANT 1 and KASHANE CHALERMWAT 1

1 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg 39406-5018

Small specimens of the Asiatic bivalve Corbicula c.f. fluminea (Müller) secrete long mucous threads through their exhalent siphons that act as draglines to buoy the animal into a water column. These mucous strands, secreted in response to water current stimuli, are produced by dense accumulations of ctenidial mucocytes and may help in the downstream or interstream dispersal of this rapidly spreading exotic clam.

Submitted on April 16, 1984
Accepted on May 16, 1984

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)