Assessment of the potential for culture of the Chinese clam (Chione gnidia) in the estuary of La Cruz, Sonora, Mexico

Abstract

Growth and mortality of the chinese clam (chione gnidia) were examined in the Estuary of La Cruz, Sonora, Mexico from 1987 to 1989. Clams were reared in trays in two habitats of the Estuary of La Cruz, the pool and the canal, where four experiments were carried out. In experiment 1 growth and mortality under two densities and two environments was assessed. Experiment 2 yielded information on growth and mortality of clams growing on four different substrates and at two densities. Experiment 3 assessed growth and mortality in high density conditions, and experiment 4 assessed growth after a period of growth stagnation. In all cases, highly significant differences in growth and mortality were observed between environments. The pool was found to be the place where higher total growth and least mortality occurred. However, the sizes achieved by clams in the pool suggest that the Estuary of La Cruz is not a suitable environment for the cultivation of this clam, and that the introduction of C. gnidia in this area is not feasible under present habitat conditions.