>dear Conch-lers
>is there anybody with knowledge on freshwater bivalves in Europe ? Some
>friends have problems in identificating a large ( 20 cm. and more ) Unio
>that spread a few years ago in eastern Padania plates, in slowly running
>waters .
>It is about trapezoidal in shape , with thin shell , and they always crack
>in the middle , regardless the way you treat or store them .
>
 
You may want to compare with Anodonta woodiana, an Asian species that has
been accidentally introduced into France, Romania, Hungary, Indonesia, and
the Caribbean islands. This species reaches a very large size, and probably
is the one you have. I wrote about this species in Veliger 40: 152-156, and
would be very interested in seeing a specimen. Excuse my ignorance, but
where is Padania?
 
 
 
*  G Thomas Watters               *
*  Ohio Biological Survey &       *
*  Aquatic Ecology Laboratory     *
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