Intra- and interannual variability surpasses direct temperature effects on the clearance rates of the invasive clam Corbicula fluminea

We measured the clearance rates of the filter-feeding bivalve Corbicula fluminea over a period of 2?years. Strong seasonal variations, such as a 50-fold increase from February to July, were observed. These variations were only poorly linked to temperature, as they could be found at both the ambient field temperature and a constant temperature of 15°C. Instead, peaks in the filtration activity corresponded to the spawning activity. Additionally, a strong interannual variability with much lower clearance rates in 2009 than in 2008 was identified. The low clearance rates were linked to a preceding period of low winter temperatures close to the lethal temperature of 2°C and the associated reduced reproduction rates. Our findings demonstrate that other factors besides temperature and body mass can strongly affect clearance rates. These results should be considered when predicting the effects of changing temperatures on the ecosystem impact of filter-feeding bivalves.