Study of some Shell Morphology of Clams found in and around Mumbai

AmrinderKaur Walia; Dr. Bhavita Chavan

Volume : VI, Issue : X, October - 2016

Study of some Shell Morphology of Clams found in and around Mumbai

Amrinderkaur Walia, Dr. Bhavita Chavan

Abstract :

Clams are diverse group of edible bivalves, typically characterized by two part calcareous shell that are hinged, more or less symmetrical and a laterally compressed muscular hatchet shaped foot inhabiting in sand or mud. They are of commercial, culinary and ecological importance. In addition they are important for maintaining water quality through their remarkable ability to filter large quantities of water. Clams show notable variation in their morphological characters of the shell from one species to the next. In the present study, clams available in the intertidal area in and around Mumbai coast were collected from six different sites. Morphological characters such as colour of the shell, length (L), height (H) and width (W) of shells of clams Gafrarium divaricatum, Meretrix casta, Arca granosa, Polymesoda erosa and Semele cordiformis were studied. Although in Gafrarium divaricatum, Meretrix casta, Arca granosa, Semele cordiformis shell length > height > width, Polymesoda erosa showed less variation in length and height. Less number of clams in the selected sites exhibits deterioration of intertidal zone of Mumbai which demands greater attention and immediate monitoring