Synopsis of Infectious Diseases and Parasites of Commercially Exploited Shellfish

Siphon Snails of Clams and Cockles

Category | Common Name | Scientific Name | Distribution | Host Species
Impact on Host | Diagnostic Technique | Methods of Control | References | Citation

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Category

Category 4 (Negligible Regulatory Significance in Canada)

Common, generally accepted names of the organism or disease agent

Clam siphon snails.

Scientific name or taxonomic affiliation

Boonea spp. and Odostomia spp. of the gastropod family Pyramidellidae.

Geographic distribution

Ubiquitous but most ectoparasitic species have been reported from the North Atlantic Ocean.

Host species

Mya arenaria, Cerastoderma (=Cardium) edule, Cardium lamarcki, Saxicava rugosa and Tellina spp. as well as many species of oyster, mussel and scallop.

Impact on the host

Pyramidellids normally occur close to the mantle edge on the shell of the host. However, on clams they attach directly to the siphon tips. They penetrate the soft tissues using a stylet apparatus within an extendible proboscis. Large numbers (over 20 per siphon) may lead to tissue irritation and cessation of feeding by the clam host. No mortalities have been attributed to these snails to date.

Diagnostic techniques

Gross Observations: Small white snails less than 3 mm long attached to the siphon or mantle margins of clams.

Methods of control

No known methods of prevention or control. Recommend avoidance of introduction of infected clams into areas where these snails have not been previously recorded.

References

Lauckner, G. 1983. Diseases of Mollusca: Bivalvia. In: O. Kinne (ed.). Diseases of Marine Animals. Volume II: Introduction, Bivalvia to Scaphopoda. Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Hamburg, p. 797-800.

McGladdery, S.E., R.E. Drinnan and M.F. Stephenson. 1993. A Manual of the parasites, pests and diseases of Canadian Atlantic bivalves. Canadian Technical Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences No. 1931, p. 90-91.

 

Citation Information

Bower, S.M., McGladdery, S.E., Price, I.M. (1994): Synopsis of Infectious Diseases and Parasites of Commercially Exploited Shellfish: Siphon Snails of Clams and Cockles.

URL: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/species-especes/shellfish-coquillages/diseases-maladies/pages/csscc-eng.htm

Date last revised: September 1994
Comments to Susan Bower