BIOLOGY OF THE GREAT CLAM, MERETRIX MERETRIX IN THE KORAMPALLAM CREEK, TUTICORIN

Abstract

In the great clam Meretrix meretrtx spawning period is prolonged and the reproductive cycle is biannual in January-April and June-October with peak spawning activity in January-February and September. The proportion of males to females is not significantly different at 5 % probability from the theoretical 1:1 ratio. The condition index, expressed as percentage of wet flesh weight in total weight varied from 7.6 to 16.1 with an average of 12.1. The parameters of the Von Bertalanffy growth equation in M. meretrix0X6 Loo =99.1 mm, K •= 0.3221 per year and t = -0.0745 year. The life-span is estimated at 7.8 years. The various dimensional and length-weight relationships are given. Also the environmental conditions of the clam bed are described.