Studies On The Biology Of The Clam Sunetta Scripta (Linne), From The Subtidal Waters Of Cochin

Abstract

Enhancement and culture of bivalves presents an opportunity to maximise and even increase production of many growing areas. Clam culture is less intensive both for capital and labour, involves simple farming and management techniques and is considered an efficient means of protein production. Clams are efficient converters of primary production and growth rate is fast with maximum production in 5-6 months. with culture, production is less influenced by poor recruitment. Stable production facilitates market development. Rivalves are being increasingly used in bio-medical research. Culture practices would ensure uninterrupted supplies of experimental material. Paucity of biological data restricts the development of efficient management and culture techniques of bivalves. This study was undertaken with a view to provide information on some aspects of biology of the bivalve S_. scripta which have hitherto been uninvestigated.