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Mya arenaria - Sand gaper / Soft shell clam

Current distribution Mya arenaria Linnaeus, 1758 (10742 OBIS-datapoints, 34714 GBIF-datapoints)
The softshell clam Mya arenaria got introduced from America in the 16th or 17th century via shipping. However, there are indications that the Vikings brought this species – intentionally for consumption or accidentally in the water of the ship’s hold – to Europe in the 13th century. Because of its opportunistic lifestyle, the species can survive in different environments, which explains its global distribution. This large bivalve (up to 15 cm) can strongly influence the environment when present in large numbers. Due to its buried lifestyle (up to 40 cm deep), its presence is often difficult to determine.