Spatio-temporal variations in biochemical composition, condition index and percentage edibility of the clam, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Paphia malabarica</i> (Chemnitz) from estuarine regions of Goa

Abstract

Biochemical compositions, condition index (CI) and percentage edibility (PE) of an estuarine clam, <i>Paphia malabarica, </i>were studied from two estuarine regions of Goa during March 2009 to March 2010. Relationships between nutritive components and ambient environmental parameters were also established. Significant (<i>P </i><0.001) spatio-temporal changes in biochemical composition, CI and PE were noticed. Protein content was higher (15.64-86.79%) round the year, followed by carbohydrate (4.29-72.73%) and lipid (2.25-5.12%) contents. Maximum nutritive values i.e. protein (64.37-86.78%), lipid (2.85-5.21%), calorific values (4.61-6.52Kcal/g), CI (31.75-62.06%) and PE (17.27-21.00%) during premonsoon (February-May) period are suggestive of suitable harvesting period for <i>P. malabarica</i>.