De Brakwaterstrandschelp Rangia cuneata (G.B. Sowerby I, 1832) in Friesland

In May 2016, juveniles of the Atlantic rangia Rangia cuneata (G.B. Sowerby I, 1832) were discovered in the Ried, near Harlingen. It was the first time this species was reported from the Dutch province of Friesland. In February 2021, adult specimens were discovered in the Ried, somewhat further to the northeast. Field research revealed a total of 26 locations in Friesland, all linked to the town of Harlingen and the Van Harinxmakanaal, one of the main waterways in that province. The species probably settled in Harlingen in or shortly before 2016. The combined Frisian sites of Rangia cuneata form the fifth cluster of sites for this species in the Netherlands. The largest specimen, from a location just west of Harlingen, measured 62 mm. Furthermore, this Rangia inventory project learned that also Dreissena bugensis has become established in Friesland. Four invasive species now dominate the bivalve association of this part of Friesland.