On the growth of the clam, Meretrix casta (Chemnitz) from the marine fish farm

Abstract

From the observations made during the management of the marine fish farm of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Mandapam Camp, it was felt that the farm may give sustained yield of edible hard clam, Meretrix casta, without perhaps disturbing the normal fish stocking operations. Accordingly, a study was conducted on some aspects of physiology and the biology of this clam in order to ascertain whether the farm is suitable for culture practices or could at least be used as a fattening ground for this clam. The present paper on the growth of the clam M. casta is sixth on the subject. The earlier five being on the rate of filtration (Durve, 1963), seasonal gonadal changes and spawning (Durve, 1964), the dimensional relationship (Durve and Dharma Raja, 1965), Experimental transplantation (Durve, in press) and fatness of the clam (Durve and Dharma Raja, in press).