Analysis on individual growth of juvenile carpet shell clams, Tapes decussatus (L.), in three different rearing conditions employed in the Ebro's Delta, Spain

Abstract

The culture of the carpet shell clams. Tapes decussatus (L.), a high-priced clam is still a very recent activity. Three common methods of culture, culture park. polyculture ponds and trays inside a tank, were tested to assess which one gave better growth. Mean weights, length and width were recorded in order to determine non-isometrical growth. The highest percentage mean weight gain and specific growth was observed for the carpet shells in the polyculture pond (89 x 10-3 mm day-1 versus 2.2 x 10-3 and 3.3 x 10-3 mm day-1 in the park and the aquaria, respectively). Despite the lower temperatures, water fertility favoured faster growth of phytoplankton, and therefore, of clams in the pond cultured shells. It is concluded that growth in polyculture ponds with fish and shrimps produces the best results and management.