Wedge Clam Research Articles

Population dynamics of Donax trunculus on the sandy beach of Taghazout (southern Morocco)

The study of the structure and the dynamics of populations exposed to environmental pollutants can be a useful investigative tool for finding the connections between different levels of biological organizationPopulation dynamics on wedge clam, Donax trunculus is still unknown in Morocco. FiSAT software (FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools) was used for calculating population parameters of this species. The specimens of D. trunculus (Linnaeus, 1758) were collected monthly in the Agadir Marine Bay (South of Morocco) for two years (January 2016–December 2017) from three stations (S1, S2 and S3), which are directly exposed to eventual pollutants owing to the developing tourism resort Taghazout Bay.The study of the population dynamics of D. trunculus shows that the annual mean of density, biomass and condition index, presents significant seasonal variations depending on the physico-chemical parameters and the animal’s life cycle. The monitoring of age-class frequency distributions of D. trunculus individuals revealed a slighter difference at the three study stations. Asymptotic length (L∞) was 37.96 mm and growth coefficient (K) was estimated at 1.93 year −1. Total mortality (Z) for D. trunculus was 3.30 year −1. Natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) were 1.73 year−1 and 1.57 year −1 respectively. Exploitation level (E) was computed as 0.48, indicating an optimum level of exploitation of D. trunculus in the coastal waters of Taghazout. It is well demonstrated that bimodal recruitment takes place twice a year; one in late summer–early autumn and the other in spring. The results of this study provide information on the health status of this ecosystem receiving Taghazout Bay project.

Improving bivalve fishery management: The development of a tool to forecast bivalve reproductive season based on environmental data from satellite remote sensing observations

AbstractDonax trunculus is a much‐appreciated commercial clam whose natural populations have been overexploited in southern–western Spain during the last decades. In order to control the decrease of natural beds, local governments establish annual closed seasons based on socioeconomic reasons, such as economic necessity or tourism interest. The objective of this study was to develop an efficient tool for predicting gonadal stages based on environmental condition data. This tool will allow for an improvement in fishery management since in this manner the closed season can be based on the reproductive cycle. The natural population's reproductive cycle was studied for more than 2 years. The obtained gonadal and condition indexes (GI and CI) values were statistically related to environmental conditions, specifically surface seawater temperature (SST) and chlorophyll‐a (Chlo‐a) levels with these data being provided from satellite remote sensing observations (SRS). The best statistical relationship was obtained between GI and the SST registered 60 days before bivalve sampling (SST‐60). The regression equation allows for an estimate of GI value based on the SST‐60 and, as each value is related with one gonadal stage (resting, maturation, ripe), for prediction of the reproductive cycle. Therefore, the closed season can be established when most of the population is in the ripe stage and can be adjusted taking into account the possible temperature variations across the years. For ease of use, GI values estimated with this tool have also been converted using different colours onto a map of wedge clam reproductive stages in its natural beds.

Population dynamics of edible wedge clam, Donax lubricus Hanley, 1845 (Bivalvia: Donacidae): A first study in Asia

Management of mollusc resources requires knowledge of various population parameters and exploitation level of the population. FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools was used for calculating population parameters of edible wedge clam Donax lubricus. The specimens of D lubricus were collected from Panambur sandy beach at monthly intervals from March 2008 to February 2009. Asymptotic length (L∝) was 26.25 mm and growth coefficient (K) was estimated at 0.83 year−1. The sizes attained by D. lubricus were 14.80, 21.26 and 24.07 mm in the first, second and third years respectively. Longivity of this clam in the present study was 3 years and 2 months. Density of the population ranged from 78 to 30,862 ind./m2. Total mortality (Z) for D. lubricus was 4.04 year−1. Natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) were 0.83 year−1 and 3.21 year−1 respectively. Exploitation level (E) was computed as 0.79, indicating that the fishery of D. lubricus in the coastal waters of Karnataka is overexploited.

Limited success of the non-indigenous bivalve clam Rangia cuneata in the Lithuanian coastal waters of the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon

Summary The gulf wedge clam, common rangia Rangia cuneata, with a native origin in the Gulf of Mexico has spread to north European brackish and freshwaters. This semitropical species is able to survive in conditions of low winter temperatures in boreal environment of the Baltic Sea. Its expansion within lagoons and sheltered bays in the southern and eastern parts of the Baltic Sea appears to be with natural spread and its discontinuous distribution is likely to have been with shipping, either within ballast water or as settled stages transported with dredged material. In this account, we report on the occurrence of R. cuneata in Lithuanian waters. We compare habitats of the common rangia in the Curonian Lagoon and in the exposed coastal waters of the Baltic Sea. We notice high mortality of the species in the Lithuanian waters in comparison to the neighboring Vistula Lagoon. Based on finding of small specimens of R. cuneata attached to the spiked watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum, we indicate a risk of local spread with movements of fishing equipment and snagged plants on anchors or boat trailers removed from the water. We discuss the possibility of further spread of the common rangia to similar environments in the Baltic Sea and elsewhere in Europe.

Seasonal variation of transcriptomic and biochemical parameters of Donax trunculus related to its infection by Bacciger bacciger (trematode parasite)

The wedge clam (Donax trunculus) is widely distributed along exposed Atlantic coasts, from France to Senegal. This species has high commercial importance, with the mean capture production on the last ten years of approx. 850 tonnes (50% represented by Portugal captures). D. trunculus populations are modulated by several drivers such as tidal range, temperature, sediment grain size, fishing pressure, predation and parasitism. Regarding parasitism, D. trunculus is the first intermediate host of Bacciger bacciger (trematode parasite) where the sporocysts develop. The sporocyst is the most damaging stage, reported as being responsible for bivalve castration and flesh mass depletion. In order to test the hypothesis that B. bacciger infection modified wedge clam health status, including its biochemical performance and gene expression, clams were sampled every other month during one year in the Faro beach (south coast of Portugal). The results obtained revealed that B. bacciger total prevalence ranged between 0 and 33% in May and July, respectively. Overall, transcriptomic and biochemical results showed that B. bacciger induced in D. trunculus defense mechanisms against oxidative stress and increased the host metabolism and energy demand, especially in spawning and spent periods. The present work concluded that the markers used can provide additional and ecologically relevant information not only about the environmental conditions that animals experience but also the invasion effects of pathogens. These findings can contribute to predicting organism chance of reproduction and survival in their natural context, which can be applied in bivalve conservation and disease episodes management.

Seasonal and multi-annual trends of bivalve toxicity by PSTs in Portuguese marine waters

Temporal and spatial trends of paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) in bivalves from Portuguese estuarine and coastal waters, and connectivity of bivalve toxicity among the harvest areas, were examined using long-term data from the national biotoxin monitoring programme. Data from 1994 to 2017 were chosen for commercial bivalve species sensitive to PSTs, and for production areas exhibiting recurrent episodes of bivalve toxicity. Mussels (Mytilus spp.) and cockles (Cerastoderma edule) from the Ria de Aveiro, Mondego estuary, Óbidos lagoon and Ria Formosa, and wedge clams (Donax trunculus) and surf clams (Spisula solida) from the coastal areas Aguda and Olhão were selected. Bivalve toxicity data point to higher incidents of PST episodes in autumn and winter, although in 2008 the toxicity of mussels and cockles in the three estuarine areas was registered in summer. Most likely, favourable oceanographic conditions triggered the bloom formation of Gymnodinium catenatum, which is the species responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning in Portuguese waters. Episodes in the southern coast of Portugal were less recurrent, although values above the PST regulatory limit displayed also a seasonal signal with a peak between autumn and early winter. On the basis of the number of weeks per month that bivalves showed elevated toxicity values, a connectivity index was defined for the surveyed areas. High connectivity was obtained among Aveiro, Mondego and Óbidos, which are 180 km apart, suggesting that G. catenatum cells are imported from blooms formed or reaching the coastal waters adjacent to these systems. During episodes of elevated toxicity, toxin profiles in contaminated mussels and cockles were dominated by N-sulfocarbamoyl compounds, which are the major toxins produced by the toxic dinoflagellate G. catenatum. The identification of coupled systems relatively to bivalve toxicity has an impact on monitoring programmes and allows improved decision-making on closures of bivalve harvest areas affected by toxic algae.

The wedge clam Donax trunculus as sentinel organism for Mediterranean coastal monitoring in a global change context

The wedge clam Donax trunculus is commonly used in environmental monitoring studies as sentinel species for the biomonitoring of sandy beaches in Mediterranean areas. Taking in account the combined effects of chemical stressors and global changes in marine organisms, research efforts in ecotoxicology should be up-to-date for a more relevant and integrative monitoring studies. In the same context, it is an actual need to select bioindicators able to reflect both global change effects and conventional/emergent stressors in marine ecosystems. D. trunculus indeed appears as appropriate integrative sentinel specie. Apart from being an easy to collect species, D. trunculus presents many advantages justifying its use in (eco)toxicological studies such as large distribution, bioaccumulation capacity, responses (biomarkers) to contaminants and well studied biology, physiology and ecology. Herein, we propose a review based on a literature survey of (eco)toxicological aspects of D. trunculus with a special focus on the suitability of its use as a sentinel species in laboratory/ field studies and as potential indicator for regional and global changes. We recommend its further use in the environmental impact assessment of emerging contaminants (such as pharmaceuticals, micro and nanoplastics). Recommendations for an integrative environmental monitoring in a global change context are also highlighted.

Spatial distribution of Donax trunculus (Linnaeus, 1758) populations along the intertidal area of the Gulf of Cádiz (SW, Spain)

Spatial distribution of Donax trunculus (Linnaeus, 1758) populations along the intertidal area of the Gulf of Cádiz (SW, Spain)

Spatiotemporal distribution and growth pattern of Venus nux (Gmelin, 1791) in the Gulf of Cádiz (Southern Spain)

Spatiotemporal distribution and growth pattern of Venus nux (Gmelin, 1791) in the Gulf of Cádiz (Southern Spain)

Analysis and damage assessment of discards in the hand dredge wedge clam fishery (Donax trunculus Linnaeus, 1758) in the Gulf of Cádiz (SW Spain

Analysis and damage assessment of discards in the hand dredge wedge clam fishery (Donax trunculus Linnaeus, 1758) in the Gulf of Cádiz (SW Spain

Incidence of fisheries impact and purification treatment in the survival rate of wedge clams caught in the northern Alboran Sea

Incidence of fisheries impact and purification treatment in the survival rate of wedge clams caught in the northern Alboran Sea

Effects of physical features on production of three macrofaunal species in different sandy beach zones in South America

Habitat Harshness Hypothesis (HHH) and Habitat Safety Hypothesis (HSH) successfully predict trends in diversity, abundance, individual growth, survival rate, and reproductive success of intertidal and supralittoral macrofauna species according to beach morphodynamic states. However, the effects of beach physical features on secondary production are still poorly known, especially concerning the response of species that inhabit different beach zones. Here we tested the hypothesis that production and P/B ratio of common species of lower and middle intertidal, the wedge clam Donax hanleyanus and the isopod Excirolana armata, respectively, follow HHH, increasing towards less severe dissipative/intermediate conditions. Conversely, the turnover rate (production-to-biomass ratio: P/B) of both species is expected to increase towards harsher reflective conditions according to Allen's relationship (instantaneous mortality rate Z = P/B). On the other hand, the production and P/B of the supralittoral isopod Excirolana braziliensis are expected to follow HSH, i.e. an opposite pattern to that of intertidal species, with higher production on reflective beaches and higher P/B on dissipative ones. To test these predictions, relationships of production and P/B with physical characteristics of beaches (grain size, beach slope, and width) were assessed using 34 estimates gathered from literature, obtained from 14 microtidal beaches located in the Southwestern Atlantic coasts. The results showed that D. hanleyanus production increased towards dissipative conditions following HHH, although P/B ratio followed the production trend. These results, however, agree with those previously observed in the mole crab Emerita brasiliensis, reinforcing these trends for inhabitants of the swash zone, the harshest beach zone. Similarly, E. armata production increased sharply towards dissipative conditions, finer sand and gentler slopes, an expected pattern for a middle intertidal, highly-substrate specific species. Production and P/B of the supralittoral species E. braziliensis followed HHH rather than HSH, with higher production in intermediate/dissipative conditions, and inversely, higher P/B and Z on reflective beaches. This study shows that the production of intertidal species both in the lower and in the middle intertidal increases from reflective to intermediate/dissipative conditions.

Fifteen novel microsatellite loci, developed using next-generation sequencing, reveal the lack of genetic structure in Donax vittatus from Iberian Peninsula

The wedge clam Donax trunculus is an important shellfish species in several southern European countries. Nevertheless, production of this species has suffered a sharp decrease, especially in Galicia (Northwest of Spain). In the face of the collapse of a fishery, while the object species recovers, a suitable strategy is the exploitation of a similar species, and Donax vittatus could potentially be an alternative exploitable resource. Such exploitation should be carried under appropriate management practises to avoid transferring the problem to the new species. Given the need to reveal the population structure and to elucidate appropriate management units of D. vittatus along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, fifteen variable microsatellite markers were reported and tested in seven localities (six of them previously studied with a mitochondrial COI marker). All localities displayed similar genetic diversity values (allelic richness: 10.75–15.20; expected heterozygosity: 0.813–0.845; and expected heterozygosity: 0.389–0.460). Significant deficits of heterozygotes were recorded for all populations, probably due to null alleles. Analyses of population differentiation, including global FST, pairwise FST with and without null allele correction, number of migrants and Analyses of Molecular Variance, indicated lack of genetic structure in D. vittatus along Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, confirming the previous results based on COI gene. These data are useful to assist the fishery development and the conservation plans of this species. Furthermore, the panel of developed microsatellites will allow further genetic population studies throughout the geographic distribution of the species, as well as other genetic analysis needed for aquaculture activities.

Sequence characterization of the 5S ribosomal DNA and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region in four European Donax species (Bivalvia: Donacidae)

BackgroundThe whole repeat unit of 5S rDNA and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of four European Donax species were analysed. After amplifying, cloning and sequencing several 5S and ITS units, their basic features and their variation were described. The phylogenetic usefulness of 5S and ITS sequences in the inference of evolutionary relationships among these wedge clams was also investigated.ResultsThe length of the 5S repeat presented little variation among species, except D. trunculus that differed from the rest of the Donax species in 170–210 bp. The deduced coding region covered 120 bp, and showed recognizable internal control regions (ICRs) involved in the transcription. The length of non-transcribed spacer region (NTS) ranged from 157 bp to 165 bp in Donax trunculus and from 335 bp to 367 bp in the other three species. The conservation degree of transcriptional regulatory regions was analysed revealing a conserved TATA-like box in the upstream region. Regarding ITS sequences, the four Donax species showed slight size differences among clones due to the variation occurring in the ITS1 and ITS2, except Donax variegatus did not display size differences in the ITS2. The total length of the ITS sequence ranged between 814 and 1014 bp. Resulting phylogenetic trees display that the two ribosomal DNA regions provide well-resolved phylogenies where the four European Donax species form a single clade receiving high support in nodes. The topology obtained with 5S sequences was in agreement with Donax evolutionary relationships inferred from several sequences of different nature in previous studies.ConclusionsThis is not only a basic research work, where new data and new knowledge is provided about Donax species, but also have allowed the authentication of these wedge clams and offers future applications to provide other genetic resources.

Quantifying invader impact: Applying functional response metrics to a rapidly spreading non‐native species

Abstract Risk assessment currently lacks pliable tools that can be reliably applied across a range of environmental contexts to predict the success and impact of non‐native species (NNS). An approach adopting functional responses (FR) and the Relative Impact Potential (RIP) metric may offer considerable insight and predictive power regarding invader impacts, which may include losses in ecosystem function and biodiversity. We aim to evaluate the use of FRs and the RIP metric in predicting impact in non‐native, data‐deficient bivalves. Very little is known about the potential impacts of the Gulf wedge clam, Rangia cuneata outside of its native range, and as a rapidly spreading non‐native species, it is highly suitable for this study. Comparisons of feeding activity and abundance between non‐native species and functionally analogous native species may produce reliable impact predictions where significant disparity in these factors exists. We conducted field abundance surveys and laboratory feeding studies on R. cuneata, in order to quantify FRs and the RIP metric. Clearance rates and FRs were calculated for R. cuneata and the sympatric, native unionid duck mussel, Anodonta anatina, across a range of algal concentrations at 1.0 ppt salinity. Mean ± SE clearance rates (ml g DW−1 hr−1) were found to be significantly greater for R. cuneata (294.31 ± 65.17) than for A. anatina (125.99 ± 29.59) with both species exhibiting a type I functional response. As a result of far greater field abundance of R. cuneata compared with A. anatina (37.7 m−2 ± 6.1 versus 0.7 m−2 ± 0.4 at sympatric sites) and a significantly higher feeding rate, the RIP score for R. cuneata was high (11.61) signifying likely ecological impact. Calculating the probability density function for the RIP includes uncertainty in the metric and also yielded a very high value (38.14), and these results provide the first evidence that R. cuneata should be considered a high‐risk invasive species. The results of our analyses firmly support the assertion that R. cuneata will likely continue to have significant impact in its introduced range if management action is not taken. The rate of spread of R. cuneata, its established densities and RIP score are all comparable to severely invasive bivalves; therefore, R. cuneata may pose a significant threat to both freshwater and brackish water biodiversity and function. We conclude that FRs and the RIP metric may be extremely beneficial to making reliable impact predictions for non‐native species and are particularly well suited for estimating the potential impacts of data‐deficient novel and emerging non‐natives.

Mitochondrial DNA analyses of Donax trunculus (Mollusca: Bivalvia) population structure in the Iberian Peninsula, a bivalve with high commercial importance

Abstract The wedge clam, Donax trunculus (Linnaeus, 1758), is an ecologically and economically important species found in the warm waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean areas. Donax trunculus has been suffering from a severe population decline in some wild stocks of the Iberian Peninsula, and genetic monitoring of wild populations can provide valuable information to support conservation measures and management policies. In this study, mitochondrial 16S rDNA (16S) and cytochrome b (Cytb) gene variation was examined at 18 localities across the Iberian Peninsula to test whether the patterns of genetic diversity, population structure, and demographic inferences previously deduced by using microsatellites are supported by these molecular markers. Samples (N = 557) were collected from 18 localities of the Iberian Peninsula and attention was paid to the north‐western Atlantic area, where wild stocks have diminished greatly. Analysis of molecular variance, fixation index (FST), and demographic inferences were estimated based on mitochondrial DNA. Since D. trunculus shows doubly uniparental inheritance, both types of mitochondrial DNA (F and M) were analysed. A high level of genetic diversity was detected using the haplotype diversity dataset, showing different geographic patterns. FST values for the M type revealed significant differentiation between populations on both sides of the Almeria–Oran front, and between the locality from the Alboran Sea (FU) and localities from the Atlantic Ocean. However, the F type did not detect the differentiation of FU. This makes the M genome sequences more suitable for investigating genetic structure of D. trunculus populations. Management and recovering strategies of this important resource should consider the genetic structure observed. Several strategies for conservation and management of this commercial and ecologically important bivalve are proposed.

By-catch in the commercial beam trawl fishery for Rapa Whelk in the Black Sea

In this work, the by-catch was investigated in commercial beam trawls used in the rapa whelk (Rapana venosa) fishery, in trials at sea between September 1, 2015 and April 30, 2016. Four commercial boats using beam trawls were chartered and catch data was collected from a total of 87 hauls. Hauls were performed between 7.1–28.3 meters deep for a duration of 20–77 minutes and haul speed varied between 1.4 – 2.7 knots. A total of 28 by-catch species were identified, which amount in average to 11.4% of the total number of specimens in the by-catch. Two different groups were identified in the by-catch (G1: 7-18 m, G2: 19-26 m) according to depth. Although there is a reduction in the amount of by-catch for G2 group, no significant difference was found between groups (p>0.05). According to Generalized Additive Models (GAM) results, the variables affecting the by-catch amount were identified as fishing area, depth, haul duration, and amount of captured rapa whelk (p<0.01). In addition, a large proportion of immature individuals of striped venus clams (Chamelea gallina), blood cockles (Anadara kagoshimensis), Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and wedge clams (Donax trunculus) were caught as by-catch during the study. Finally, the impact of commercial beam trawls on the demersal macrofauna is discussed.

An alternative method for rapid and specific authentication of four European Donax species, including D. trunculus a commercially-important bivalve

Seafood fraud or mislabelling has attracted much attention as it is widespread worldwide, and the scientific name of the species must be indicated on commercial products to satisfy labelling and traceability requirements. Species identification using morphological criteria is difficult to non-specialist, and shell-less specimens, processed products or larval and juvenile forms are morphologically unidentifiable. On the other hand, conventional methods, such as PCR-RFLPs, are tedious, expensive and time-consuming. As an alternative, a multiplex PCR of two rDNA regions, containing the 5S and the ITS, was developed for the identification of the four European Donax species: D. semistriatus, D. trunculus, D. variegatus and D. vittatus. The species-specific electrophoretic profiles allowed their identification in an efficient, fast, simple and low-cost method, offering a feasible application in aquaculture. These genetic markers can be very useful for traceability of the species, application in the management of wedge clam cultures, and conservation of these resources.

Descriptions of Mikrocytos venero\xefdes n. sp. and Mikrocytos donaxi n. sp. (Ascetosporea: Mikrocytida: Mikrocytiidae), detected during important mortality events of the wedge clam Donax trunculus Linnaeus (Veneroida: Donacidae), in France between 2008 and 2011

BackgroundMicrocell parasites are small intracellular protozoans mostly detected in molluscs and can be associated with mortalities. In 2010 and 2011, strong increases in mortality events were reported in different wild beds of the wedge clam Donax trunculus Linnaeus, along the Atlantic coast of France and the presence of potential pathogens, including microcells, was investigated.MethodsClams collected in different beds showing mortality were examined by histology. Based on histological observations, confirmatory analyses were carried out, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and molecular characterization.ResultsHistological analyses revealed the presence of small protozoans similar to microcell parasites in different tissues of Donax trunculus, particularly in muscular and connective tissues. TEM examination confirmed the intracellular localization of the protozoans. Moreover, the lack of haplosporosomes and mitochondria suggested that the observed parasites belong to the genus Mikrocytos Farley, Wolf & Elston, 1988. Mikrocytos genus-specific PCR and in situ hybridization results supported the microscopic observations. Sequence fragments of the 18S rRNA gene shared 75–83% identity with the different Mikrocytos spp. described previously, including Mikrocytos mackini Farley, Wolf & Elston, 1988 and M. boweri Abbott, Meyer, Lowe, Kim & Johnson, 2014. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the microcell parasites observed in Donax trunculus in France belong to the genus Mikrocytos and suggest the existence of two distinct species.ConclusionsBased on morphological, ultrastructural, molecular data and host information, the two microcell parasites detected in Donax trunculus belong to the genus Mikrocytos and are distinct from previously described members of this genus. This is the first report of Mikrocytos spp. found in France and infecting the clam Donax trunculus. Mikrocytos veneroïdes n. sp. was detected in different wild beds and Mikrocytos donaxi n. sp. was detected only in Audierne Bay.

First complete female mitochondrial genome in four bivalve species genus Donax and their phylogenetic relationships within the Veneroida order.

BackgroundFour species of the genus Donax (D. semistriatus, D. trunculus, D. variegatus and D. vittatus) are common on Iberian Peninsula coasts. Nevertheless, despite their economic importance and overexploitation, scarce genetic resources are available. In this work, we newly determined the complete mitochondrial genomes of these four representatives of the family Donacidae, with the aim of contributing to unveil phylogenetic relationships within the Veneroida order, and of developing genetic markers being useful in wedge clam identification and authentication, and aquaculture stock management.Principal findingsThe complete female mitochondrial genomes of the four species vary in size from 17,044 to 17,365 bp, and encode 13 protein-coding genes (including the atp8 gene), 2 rRNAs and 22 tRNAs, all located on the same strand. A long non-coding region was identified in each of the four Donax species between cob and cox2 genes, presumably corresponding to the Control Region. The Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analysis of the Veneroida order indicate that all four species of Donax form a single clade as a sister group of other bivalves within the Tellinoidea superfamily. However, although Tellinoidea is actually monophyletic, none of its families are monophyletic.ConclusionsSequencing of complete mitochondrial genomes provides highly valuable information to establish the phylogenetic relationships within the Veneroida order. Furthermore, we provide here significant genetic resources for further research and conservation of this commercially important fishing resource.