Allometry in the wedge clam, Donax incarnatus (Gmelin) from Panambur beach, Mangalore

Abstract

Allometry in the morphometric and shell length-body weight relationships of D. incarnatus was examined. The length-breadth and length-width relationships were L=0.3225+0.6754B and L=0.1634+0.3821W respectively. The proportionate increases in the shell dimensions resulted in retention of the wedge shape from spat stage onwards. On an yearly basis, the relationship between shell length-wet tissue weight was W=0.00005 L2.8321, whereas W=0.000027 L2.2976 for shell length-dry tissue weight. Monthly values of equilibrium constant (b) varied from 1.3103 (January) to 4.1243 (November) in the shell length-wet tissue weight relation, while the variation was from 1.5817 (May) to 3.3989 (November) in the shell length-dry tissue weight relation. Apart from indicating relative growth in body weight, the equilibrium constant also indicated variations in gonadal growth (weight) and condition index.