SEASONAL CHANGES IN BODY COMPONENT INDICES AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION IN THE ESTUARINE CLAM, MERETRIX MERETRIX

Abstract

Variation in body-component indices with their chemical constituents was
studied for one year in the clam, Meretrix meretrix. The gonad was the main body
compcment and its index increased with size whereas gill index decreased. Observations
on the water content showed seasonal variations which were correlated with
the change in the salinity of sea water. TIM body components showed high water
content during monsoon whereas low in summer. The protein content varied from
50.37 to 60.75%. It was low during spawning period, but increased during the
period of gonad development and then it remained steady when gonads matured.
The variation in the protein level of body components showed no relation to the
reproductive cycle. The gonads showed high protein level during gravid condition
and tow during spawning season. The fat content varied from 2.4 to 3.8%. It was
highest in March and lowest in November, i.e., during spawning period. The body
components showed variation in fat content which was significant only in gonads
and mantle.