The Growth and Survival of Carpet Clam, Ruditapes decussatus in Çardak Estuary (Çanakkale Strait, Northwest Turkey)

Abstract

The growth and survival potential of the carpet clam, Ruditapes decussatus, in Çardak estuary (Northwest Turkey) were investigated. Clams were grown in 3 different locations with different substrate characteristics. Results indicated that clams grown in larger size substrate (Station C) composed of 38.41% cobble, 21.90% pebble and 17.16% granule by weight had higher growth and survival compared to those grown in substrates composed of smaller size fractions. Clams planted with a mean length and wet weight of 2.772 cm and 4.032 g, reached a mean length and wet weight of 3.614 cm and 9.179 g at the end of 10 months. Transportation before planting had considerable effect on clam survival. In addition, mortality rates during summer were considerably higher in all stations than other seasons. Although the mean growth and survival rates of clams observed were similar to previously reported values, high summer mortality remains to be the most important factor for further investigations.

Keywords

• european little neck clam
• substrate
• mediterranean
• lagoon