Temporal variations in growth and condition index of kalandue clams (Polymesoda erosa, Solander 1786) in Kendari Bay, Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract

The growth and condition index of kalandue shellfish in the mangrove forest of Kendari Bay, Southeast Sulawesi is not fully known. This study aims to determine the growth and condition index of kalandue shellfish (Polymesoda erosa) in Kendari Bay, Southeast Sulawesi. Kalandue mussels were taken randomly throughout the waters using a shovel as deep as 20 cm in the aquatic substrate. Kalandue mussels were measured in length and wet weight was measured using a caliper and a digital scale with an accuracy of 0.5 mm and 0.01 g, respectively. The shells were separated by sex and dried in an oven at 70oC for 72 hours. Kalandue mussels were weighed dry and shell weight using an analytical balance with an accuracy of 0.0001g. The length-weight relationship data were analyzed using linear regression and the condition index was analyzed using the Mann Whitney test. The results showed that the length-weight relationship of males and females was in isometric conditions with values of 3.08 and 3.05, respectively. The lowest b value was found in February and the highest was in May. The condition index of male and female caladue shells was not significantly different with values of 9.26±5.50 and 6.75±4.90, respectively. The condition index experienced two peaks, namely in May and September. Furthermore, the condition index of kalandue mussels increased along with the increase in body size (shell width).