Other than that note there is not much else known or written about the species in English. After quite a bit of research I found just one study that indicated the species has been highly utilized for food and for freshwater pearls. In Thailand it was previously found in markets but currently it is rarely seen. Camberlainia is bred for cultured pearls on [hopefully] sustainable pearl farms, but no precise information is available, and it is likely that wild populations are still exploited..
What we do know is that the species inhabits streams and rivers in midlands and mountains. As other species of mussels, it has a complex life cycle wherein fertilized eggs develop into larvae, called glochidia, in the marsupium of the female and through co-evolution, can only survive on a specific species of fish. If a glochidium attaches to a fish that is not the species it is looking for, it will not survive.
The species is definitely under threat. The beautiful Camberlania shell is heavily collected
across the region for food for consumption and local sale, as well as for use in the production of decorative items and producing cultured freshwater pearls. Another threat is habitat modification and destruction due to dams, canalization and pollution (siltation and contaminates associated with construction, agriculture, mining, and forestry practices).
Chamberlainia is considered to be vulnerable in Thailand and Vietnam. Surveys need to be conducted within the species range to obtain information on the population, distribution, ecological requirements, and threats. Conservation actions needed include protection of the more important habitats from direct and indirect impact, and preventing exploitation of this species.
The shell can be still found in Thailand's Chao Praya River and tributaries including the Pin,
Nana, Kwae Noi and Kaek rivers. It is also found in the Maeklong River between Ratburi and Kanchanaburi. It has also been reported in the Maeklong dam, in Kanchanaburi Province, and in Vietnam from the Red River. On a personal account I never saw Chamberlainia for sale on my travels through north Vietnam.
I have very few pieces designed with original dozen shells I bought many years ago, and it was interesting to see on my most recent trip to Southeast Asia there were still objects for sale made from Camberlainia Heinesiana.
May 2017 - Art & Culture
98 - SEVENSEAS