Allometry and condition index in the wedge clam <em>Donax incarnatus</em> (Gmelin) from Malpe beach, south west coast of India

Abstract

The relationship of length-breadth and length-width were B = 0.1763 + 0.6758L and W = - 0.3346 + 0.4068L respectively for the wedge clam, <em>Donax incarnatus</em>. The monthly b values of length-breadth relationship varied from 0.6252 (November, 2005) to 0.7928 (December, 2004). In length-width relationship, the b values varied from 0.3536 (March, 2005) to 0.4482 (September, 2005). The data on length-total weight, length-wet weight, length-dry weight and length-shell weight relationships were W = 0.000112L^3.1805, W = 0.000010L^3.3731, W = 0.000013L^2.8182 and W = 0.000059L^3.2416 respectively. The b values ranged from 2.5032 (January, 2005) to 3.5826 (May, 2005) for length-total weight relationship, whereas the values for length-shell weight varied between 2.4677 (January, 2005) and 3.8330 (May, 2005). The b values fluctuated between 2.5774 (December, 2004) and 3.7589 (November, 2005) for length-wet weight relationship. In the case of length-dry weight relationship, the b values ranged from 2.2571 (February, 2005) to 3.4753 (November, 2005). The studies on morphometry in <em>D. incarnatus</em> showed a linear relationship, whereas length-weight relationships showed non linear pattern. Seasonal fluctuations in condition index were probably related to cycles of gonadal growth and spawning.