Studies on the growth of the wedge clam, Donax (Latona) cuneatus Linnaeus

Abstract

Of the several species of wedge clams of the family Donacidce that occur on the east and west coasts of India in the surf-beaten sands, Donax scortum to some and Donax cuneatus to a very large extent are valued as food by many people. In the Palk Bay, ail along the beach from Pillaimadam shore (Long. 79° 5' and Lat. 9° 17') to Attankarai (Long. 79° 0' and Lat. 9° 21'), a distance of about seven miles, the receding tides reveal Donax cuneatus in abundance. It forms the food of a large number of fishermen along the coast when the sea is rough and the general fishery conditions poor. It is usually fished only during such off-seasons and is not sold in the open, market. The clam meat is cooked whole or made into a paste and treated with condiments in the preparation of curries. Dead shells of these clams, washed ashore, are collected by the womenfolk for preparing lime. However, at present there is no regular fishery of these clams for food or any organised lime burning industry, with the result that this valuable resource is wasted without being much utilized. The present investigation was taken up with a view to exploring the possibilities of exploitation of this resource of food without any undue damage to the beds.